As I write this, it's the end of December and here in New England we're hunkering down to await the arrival of a big winter storm---a genuine nor'easter. The predicted blizzard conditions will keep us cooped up indoors for a couple of days, but once it's over we'll join the kids for an eagerly anticipated foray into the resulting winter wonderland. Snow has decorated our landscape off and on since Thanksgiving, but this will be the first storm to drop a significant quantity of the white stuff. What a wonderful time to get the kids outdoors!
Despite the commonly held belief that cold air causes colds, studies have shown that even in the winter months fresh air is healthy for children (as well as moms, dads, and teachers!). Winter hibernation not only causes cabin fever in some of us, it keeps us breathing the unhealthy air that results from spending so much time in poorly ventilated, overheated indoor spaces. You can actually reduce the chances of spreading germs and infection by getting outside!
Beyond
that, going outside during winter is simply fun! Snow itself---children's
favorite form of precipitation---has inspired countless activities, from making
snowmen and snow angels to sledding, snowball fights, skiing, snowshoeing, and
the giggle-inducing challenge of catching snowflakes on your tongue. Snow also
provides ample opportunity for honing children's skills in observation. You
don't have to be a scientist to come up with numerous teaching activities . . .
just use your imagination!
You can create specific experiments like comparing the physical properties of snow in its frozen state and in its liquid state. (Just watch how thrilled the kids get when you suggest bringing snow inside to melt!) Or you can follow a more informal approach as you explore, encouraging children to discuss what they see and how the snow has affected things outdoors. This will naturally lead into related topics.
On the topic of animals, for example, you can search for
tracks and other signs of life from creatures that remain active during the
winter. This can lead to discussions about how these animals adapt to new
conditions: finding food, growing winter coats, changing color to camouflage
against an all-white backdrop, etc. Perhaps you'll want to start a unit
study on the many animals that live in polar climates. You can also discuss the
different animals that hibernate during this period, as
well as the birds that fly south. For the birds that stay behind---like certain
finches, woodpeckers, and chickadees---you can set up feeders that are within
viewing distance of a kitchen or classroom window. Black-oiled sunflower seeds
are a popular winter food among many birds because of the high protein and fat
content. Winter is also the time to put out suet, which can go rancid during the
warmer seasons. Suet is especially helpful to birds whose diets consist mainly
of insects. Just remember that if you start feeding birds during the winter,
make sure you keep doing it until spring! You might also consider providing a
water source for birds now that birdbath heaters are readily available and
affordable.
Winter is a wonderful time for observing the landscape. Discuss how snow insulates plants against the effects of extreme cold and frost; how it "scrubs" harmful elements from the air; how it replenishes the water table. Even if you don't get snow where you live, there are still obvious seasonal changes in the environment that invite fascinating teaching opportunities (unless you're located in a truly tropical climate!). Discuss the loss of foliage on deciduous trees and the contrasting difference of evergreens. Notice how woody or even dead stems and stalks on many plants collect drifting leaves to form protective insulating covers. Study the effects of frost on plants and the ground. Investigate what happens to life in a pond after it freezes over.
My
favorite suggestion for studying and observing the natural kingdom during winter
involves the beloved nature journal. There is no better way for children to
discover the multitude of changes that occur than by observing and comparing
what they see during each season. Mark out a brief trail on school grounds, at a
nearby park, or in your own backyard, and repeat this circuit several times
throughout the year. Make sure your walks are slow and methodical. Take your
time and use all of your senses. This is when adults become the students and
children become the teachers. Follow the kids' lead! Their limitless curiosity
will cause you to stop and examine creatures and objects you might otherwise
deem mundane. Keep track of general observations as you go, and make sure you
focus on some memorable landmarks. Tracking the changes of a couple of specific
trees, for example (one deciduous and one evergreen), can comprise an entire
unit study in itself. Identify birds and animals that live nearby and watch how
they adapt to each season. As with all nature study, the possibilities are
endless.
Of course, any time you're headed outdoors with
children in the winter there are simple precautions you should
take to ensure comfort and safety. First of all, keep your quests short and
sweet. It's an obvious fact that exposure to the elements affects children much
faster than it does adults, yet too many parents lose track of this simple
truth. The second important precaution is to dress properly. The key here is layering.
Most experts agree that the most effective approach involves three layers.
(Obviously, you can reduce the number of layers if the weather warms.)
Kids also need adequate hats, mittens, scarves, socks, and boots. Remember that lip balm is as effective at preventing chapped lips as it is relieving them, but shouldn't be shared among children. With a little careful planning, outdoor exploration in winter can be safe and fun. Keep the hot cocoa handy!
Copyright © 2001 by John W. Schlim Jr.
Need a place to store all those wet coats, boots, hats, and mittens? Browse the Furniture & Fixtures section of our online Nature Learning Store for a selection of wonderful coat racks!
Learn more about winter storms with the FEMA for Kids winter storm page!
Clip art courtesy of
