Español de México 
Oregon weather during this time of the year can be a bit unpredictable. We have many days of drizzle only to be caught off guard and pleasantly surprised by breaks of blue sky here and there. When the weather is dreary and keeps us all indoors, equip yourself with some household staples to be ready for some winter craft fun. Below are three activities that will provide sensory engagement for young children and fun for the entire family.
Coffee filter snowflakes. Making snowflakes with coffee filters is a great activity that can be simplified or extended depending on the age of your child. For young children, they can use markers or crayons to decorate the coffee filters and then have an adult cut out designs. Water colors are wonderful, too, because children can see the colors bleed together. Older preschoolers can practice folding the coffee filter over itself a few times and then randomly snip the filter in different places. If your child prefers, you can draw curvy or straight lines on a folded coffee filter for the child to practice cutting on. The snowflakes can be glued and mounted on blue or black construction paper or just hung up with a piece of yarn in the window. The possibilities are endless!
Paper chains. Paper chains, although may sound simple to make, decorating with them is the fun part! For a winter theme, choose white, baby blue, silver, or even leftover holiday wrapping paper. Cut strips that are even in length. Start with one strip and glue it on itself to make a circle. Loop another strip of paper through it to “chain” it together. You can use glue, pieces of tape, or even a stapler to seal each chain on itself. Paper chains spark wonderful conversations about counting, making patterns, and even measurement. There is something nostalgic about paper chains that brings out the young child in everyone.
Make your own snow. Depending on where you live in Oregon, you may have easy access to real snow. If not, why not make your own? All you need is a large cookie sheet or tray, hair conditioner, baking soda, and glitter (optional). Carefully mix 1 and ½ cups of baking soda together with ¼ cup of hair conditioner. You will need to decide the kind of consistency you prefer. If you want it more moist, add more conditioner. If you want it more fluffy, add more baking soda. To add another sensory element, add a little peppermint extract for a wintery-minty scent. This activity will need to be supervised since little ones may want to “taste the snow.”
The Parenting Hub would love to hear about fun winter crafts that you do with your family. Please send your comments to: parentinghub@earlylearninghub.org.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Make Your Own Snow
http://themadmommy.com/make-your-own-snow
Coffee Filter Snowflakes on a String
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/392446555004366443/
Paper Chains
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/417920040392413564/
