As the holiday break draws to a close, it is time to shift gears back into school mode. I have tons of curriculum to teach in the next few months (AKA state test crunch time). In order to keep the kids motivated and engaged, I like to shut the door and sneak in a few special seasonal surprises.
That being said, I am so happy to link up once again with Inspired Owl’s Corner, Pawsitively Teaching, and Just Reed for the January Pick 3 Pinterest Party!
Here is what I have been eyeing up for the month of January!
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Since Mother Nature has yet to bring us snow this season in Pennsylvania, I am thinking about making some myself with the students! I have seen many recipes for making snow, but this one from Playtivities seemed the easiest with only two ingredients. It only requires baking soda and shaving cream. There is a great video in the blog post that shows how to make the snow. This activity will also lend itself nicely to an upcoming “how-to” writing unit.
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Then, when the REAL snow comes (fingers crossed), it might be fun to make this snow dough. This recipe from Lemon Lime Adventures uses corn starch, plus real snow as the secret ingredient! The kids will surely enjoy a trip outside to scoop up some real snow. The dough sounds like a fun sensory experience that could be used as an introduction to my matter unit in science.
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Finally, I found this terrific idea that will be the perfect hook for a lesson on equality and acceptance. Martin Luther King Day is coming up on January 18th, and I am in the mood for something new and fresh this year. This egg cracking activity from The Seasoned Mom will open up an important discussion about how people may look different on the outside, but are the same on the inside. I am excited to give this one a try!
Actually, I’m going to cheat this month and share one more pin from my winter collection. This is one that I plan to use with my own kids at home on a snow day (again, fingers crossed).
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| Click on image to view the original Pinterest link |
These recipes for snow ice cream from The Kitchen is My Playground sound way better than the snow ice cream I used to make as a kid with regular milk and sugar! I bet the sweetened condensed milk will make a huge difference. I need to stock up on these ingredients now, so they are available when needed (hint, hint Mother Nature).
If you are looking for some more January inspiration, check out what others have picked for the month of January! The January Pick 3 Pinterest Linky is open through the end of the month. All are invited to link up below to join in the fun.
I love that hook for a MLK lesson! I am going to try it out this year. Thanks for the great ideas!
The fake snow would be perfect! We love in Texas, so we rarely see any snow, just ice. My kids would love it!
I have always wanted to make fake snow. I love the play snow dough and snow cream ideas! The eggs are a perfect lesson for MLK day. Thank you for sharing your pins and linking up with us! 🙂
I just had to pin the snow cream. We made a different version last year when we had all those crazy snow days. I didn't know you could make different flavors. Looking forward to a snow day now (more than before).
I love all your choices. It's so hard to narrow it down, so I did a collage of my favorites. I just can't choose three only. Eek! My favorite from your three is Snow Cream. We have never done that, but I've heard from a friend that they do it all the time. Thanks for sharing!Carla
I want to do the egg activity with my firsties for MLK too. And I love the snow activities for January! Thanks for linking up!
I'm in Michigan and we are in the same boat as you. . . no snow yet. I love the making the fake snow. The kids will love it and it can be used INSIDE the classroom!PattySecond In Line
Fake snow in the classroom? That would be awesome!