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Bring The Outside In
Thursday, December 01, 2011 by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
How is your weather? Welcome to my world and Cleveland, OH. Although we have a lot of wonderful things going for us, the weather this time of year isn't one of them. Two words: cold and gray.
Whatever the weather, our kiddos need to explore the great outdoors. Indeed, I’m a big believer in the good of Mother Nature for our munchkins, but sometimes, I’m just not up to braving the elements.
It’s days like these that we need to think creatively. It’s time to bring the outside in!
One of the best purchases I have ever made was in a sensory table. I think I spent $30 on one and I’m going on year four of use. Don’t have the $30? No worries. Grab a large plastic bowl or shallow plastic storage bin and you’re in business.
Sensory table is a fancy way of saying a container made to hold things for your child to explore with their senses (most times touch, sight, and even smell).
When it comes to those weather days when it is too nasty to get out (or if you’re just not feeling up to it!), a sensory table can help you easily bring the outside in. And, one of the best things is that play constantly is new with any item you add. Like any child’s play, don’t be afraid of the mess. Put your table somewhere where the floor surface can easily be cleaned (i.e. kitchen floor). If you’re a neat freak, get over it, or I don’t advise this activity for you. With kids, things get on the floor. It. Is. Okay. And, the process of discovery is worth the effort!
So, how can you bring the outside in?
Start with the resources you have.
Snow? Grab a few bowlfuls and bring it in. Add a small shovel and a cup or two and let your little one dig in. Want to change it up? Add a few bits of food coloring. You can decide about letting your little one taste test (I recommend using a consistent message, such as, "We explore with our HANDS and not our MOUTHS when using the sensory table.").
No snow? Fill it with water. Change water play with cups, bubbles, color tablets or a little food coloring (warning: food coloring can stain clothes and sometimes tint little hands!).
Mud! (Scared of your soil? Head to the local gardening store and make your own.)
Sand.
Natural clay.
Leaves and other nature found objects.
Stones.
Take all of the the above and mix it up.
What are you exploring with your little one these days?
What ideas do you have on bringing the outside in this winter?
Enjoy the explorations!
