23 Swindon Way
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada
R3P 0W2

Three Fun Activities to Cure Little Ones' Winter Blues

When the weather outside is frightful, little ones can make their own winter wonderland. These fun and educational activities for preschoolers from Gryphon House, Inc. encourage creativity and practice fine motor skills.

Snow Paint from Preschool Art, by MaryAnn F. Kohl

Add a snowy, crystal effect to drawings with this activity.

Materials

• Dark construction paper such as purple and blue
• Crayons
• Paintbrushes
• 4 tablespoons Epsom, table, or rock salt
• 1/2 cup hot water
• Small cups or bowls
• Spoons
• Covered table

1. Mix one-quarter cup hot water with four tablespoons of Epsom salt. Stir the mixture to dissolve.
2. Draw freely with the crayons on the dark construction paper.
3. Brush the drawing with the salt mixture.
4. Dry the painting completely.
   

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Foil Etched Card from 101 Great Gifts from Kids by Stephanie Mueller and Ann Wheeler

• Children can create greeting cards worth framing.
• Materials
• Foil wrapping paper, cut into 3 1/4" by 4 1/4" pieces with help from an adult
• Paint mixed with several drops of dish soap
• Thin paintbrushes
• Construction paper or cardstock
• Markers
• Glue

1. With help from an adult, paint a solid section in the middle of the piece of foil wrapping paper, leaving a border of the paper free from paint.
2. If the paint bubbles on the paper surface, add a few drops of dish soap to help it adhere.
3. Let the painted area sit for a couple of minutes.
4. Using the handle end of a paintbrush, etch a design or drawing into the painted area, revealing the foil surface underneath.
5. While the paint is drying, fold a half piece of construction paper once to create a card.
6. Write messages and decorate inside of the card using markers.
7. When the paint is dry, glue the foil wrapping paper to the outside front cover of the cons truction paper card with help from an adult.

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Trees in Snow from Snacktivities! by MaryAnn F. Kohl and Jean Potter

The perfect salad snack for a wintry day.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cottage cheese
• Broccoli florets, precooked, steamed, or slightly raw
• 1 tablespoon Italian dressing

Utensils

• Measuring cup and tablespoon
• Small dish
• Fork

1. Spread the cottage cheese in a thick layer in the small dish.
2. Arrange the broccoli florets so they stand in the cottage cheese, resembling trees in snow.
3. Drizzle a little Italian dressing over the broccoli florets to flavor the salad.
4. Serve the Trees in Snow as a healthy, tasty salad.

Gryphon House is an award-winning publisher of resource books for parents and teachers of children from birth through age eight. Developmentally appropriate and easy-to-use, Gryphon
House books provide parents and teachers with the tools they need to bring the joy of learning to young children. To learn more about these titles, please contact Aleta at aleta@ghbooks.com or visit their web site for more information.