'Twas a Dark and Snowy Night

No, not really. It's still freezing and snowless here in Virginia. We're finishing up our week of snow-celebration with a great little project and a great little book.

The picture doesn't show it, but this wintry scene is textured and sparkly. I found a fun little recipe for "snow paint" that you and your preschoolers can make at home. It's simple enough for even small children to help make. Here's how:

1. Measure equal parts water, salt, and flour. I did 1/2 cup of each, but I think 1/4 cup would be sufficient for two or three children.
   
2. Mix in a small bowl until smooth.
   
3. Use a paintbrush or your fingers to paint onto black construction paper.

Draw snowmen, mountains, snowflakes, and anything else to make your snowy scene. The paint dries white and sparkly, just like snow!

While it's drying, dig into the back of your bookshelf and pull out this classic!

The Snowman by Raymond Briggs

How could we do a unit on snow and not bring out The Snowman? This was actually one of the very first books I bought E, before she was even born. With no narration, this book is perfect for any age. When E. was a toddler, I'd "read" the story for her, but now she reads it to me.

If you don't own a copy of this classic, allow me to enlighten you. This book tells the story of a little boy's adventure with his snowman on one magical night. The pictures are laid out like a comic strip, allowing children to figure out the story themselves. The illustrations are soft and beautiful, creating a magical world where snowmen can come to life. It's a classic for a reason!

If your pictures are still not dry, you can take the time to do another snowman craft: glue snowmen.

On a sheet of wax paper, draw three circles for the snowman. Now have your child squeeze glue to fill in the circles. Let them add a construction paper hat, eyes, nose, and buttons. Let it dry for a day or two and then peel it right off!

When you are all done with your crafts, celebrate the end of snow week with a nice cup of snowman soup (a.k.a. hot chocolate with marshmallows)! My hubby takes his with extra marshmallows.