Regina Wright
As winter approaches, I thought it would be nice to share with you a few of my favorite children’s books as well as an arts and crafts activity, I’m sure you and your children will enjoy. When I was teaching, I always loved story time. During the winter the children and I created a fireplace. Of course, not a real one. We used our creative minds to develop the best fireplace ever.
Materials Needed:
A large piece of brown construction paper
Red paint and a square sponge
A large sock or stocking
Crayons
Glue
The children can use the sponge and the paint to create bricks to develop the fireplace. While the paint dries, the children can create their own stocking to place on the fireplace. To make a stocking you can ask the children to trace, cut, color and glue on their own stocking. They can also use other age-appropriate materials that you have to make the stocking their own design. Examples include stamps, stickers, shapes, etc. Once they are done, they can place their stocking on the fireplace near your library or cozy area. Now let’s enjoy the books:
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is an animated story about Peter who lives in the city and his routines during a snowy day. We can all relate to his adventures as he makes smiles and angels in the snow. What child didn’t bring snow into the house and expect it to last without it melting?
Snowballs by Lois Ehlert is a thought-provoking story about a variety of events that happen during a snow day.
Owl Moon by Jane Yolen is about a special time in the winter when a boy and his father go owling. They listen to the sounds of the winter. The details in the descriptive words help you imagine you are there. Children can close their eyes, lay down, and encounter the events in the story.
Remember you can also read these books anytime of the year and watch imaginations soar! During story time you can go where you want, be who you want and learn so much! Storytime is so special. It’s a time for reflection, bonding, interaction, excitement, and just plain old fun!!
