Magic Snow

Happy 2014!

Today was our first day back after winter vacation, and it turns out that it will be our only day back because they have already cancelled school tomorrow due to the weather.  January in Virginia can be unpredictable.  Many years we plan to study snow/winter/mittens and end up playing outside without jackets because it is so warm.  I have learned not to plan for snow!

To get the month started, we made a "Let It Snow!" bulletin board with clotheslines full of mittens.  We use this center for sorting, matching and, of course, for dress-up.

During circle time, we talked about all the clothes we need to wear to stay warm in the winter.  I had a big box of winter accessories (a coat, boots, hats, gloves, mittens, and a scarf) as props.  We sang this song:

Then I told the kiddos that since we didn't have any real snow (yet!) that we would make some "Magic Snow."  They love anything called "Magic" and it has a nicer ring to it than "Insta-Snow."  You can buy Insta-Snow online but I got it at the local craft store.  (It is somewhat expensive, so be sure to use one of those 40% off craft coupons.)

Three students worked together at a time to make the snow.  That's about all the shrieking and excitement we can handle at once!  Each one measured a scoop of powder into the bowl, then they added 2 oz of cold water and voila!  Snow!

The snow is a nontoxic polymer, similar to what is used in disposable baby diapers.  It absorbs the water and fluffs up to look like real snow.  It is relatively mess-free, and can be frozen and molded just like the real thing.

After school, my own older kids also wanted to make a batch (or 6).  We took a quick video so you could see how cool it is when it forms.

The little jar of powder makes over 2 gallons of snow.  We dumped it all into the sensory table, added ice scoops (that I found at Target last week in the $1 spot-- on clearance for $.30!) and penguins, and let the kiddos play!

Does it snow where you live?  Have you ever tried Insta-Snow with your kids?  If you're cooped up in the house because of the cold, or if your students only dream of playing in the white fluffy stuff, give this a try.

Enjoy playing and learning with your children today!