It’s cold. It’s snowy. You could sleep all day. I get it.
The winter months that are now upon us come so suddenly and with such force that it feels like a blizzard instead of a light snow. Children, energetic as ever, do not seem to notice. Make this season as entertaining and educational as the warmer and more convenient months of the year.
There is nothing wrong with staying home and popping in a good movie (or two). Instead of simply watching them, find movies that were originally created from a book. Read the book several times and let your child fall in love with the story. After this one-of-a-kind relationship is solidified, introduce them to the movie version. Watch as her face lights up with the sight of familiar characters, settings and story lines unfold through the television.
Despite being an adult, I can still remember seeing Harry Potter for the first time, mesmerized by seeing Hogwarts and Harry come to life. Along with the Harry Potter Series, which is great for older children, The Polar Express is another great example. As well as being an unbelievable conversation starter about the power of believing, it is also a perfect way to bring literature to life in an innocent and youthful manner.
If your child is younger, after watching the movie, ask him which version he enjoyed more. Oftentimes, with young children, a particular character, phrase or scene resonates. Did he like seeing the conductor come to life? Did he look like he did in the book? You may even find him reciting lines from the book, a regular occurrence when a book is enjoyed several times over! Even though the questions are simple, they speak volumes about what children can comprehend about literature. Close out this fun activity by making some hot chocolate or other food enjoyed in the book or movie.
If you are watching with older children, discuss the differences and similarities of each version. This dialogue can include questions such as, Which version did you enjoy more? Did the director leave out anything important that was part of the book? This happens often in movies, why do you think directors do this? Would you change anything about the way the movie was made – the choice for a certain character? How a particular place was represented? Did you picture something or someone differently than the director?
Based on your discussion, challenge your child to create his or her own movie version including changes in the dialogue and different character and setting choices. Your child can create a new screenplay or movie set using a shoe box diorama, poster board or Lego blocks to depict his or her vision.
Another way to keep minds warm and toasty throughout the cold is dreaming of a hot sandy beach. Bring this inside by transforming your home into a warm, sunny destination. Crank up the heat, bring out summer clothes and let those imaginations fly! Fill up the bathtub with warm water and with bathing suits and snorkels or pails in tow, pretend your bathtub is the calm ocean. Fill your bellies with summer treats like ice cream or barbecued food and decorate with pictures of the sun, palm trees and sandy beaches. Turn on some Hawaiian music, put on those sunglasses and visors and before you know it, your children will feel like they are on a vacation in their own home.
If you would rather embrace the cold weather, attempt a brand new family activity. My son, although only three, is highly anticipating going ice skating for the first time. It may only last a few minutes and the jury is still out on whether or not he really understands what is involved, but we are excited to try!
Pick a new winter sport or outdoor adventure this season. Whether it is skiing, snowboarding, building a snowman for the first time or sledding down a hill that was too scary the year before, it is all part of trying something new – a universal lesson that resonates with everyone.
Sometimes children need prepping for new activities. Build up excitement by relating it to something your child knows. If he reads stories about someone building a snowman, make it a daily read to prepare them. If a favorite television character is shown going ice skating (as with my son!), encourage her to talk about the activity and observe the fun the character is having while participating. Take them to an ice skating rink or a sledding hill to watch others. Often times, actions speak louder than words and when other children are involved, it says more than any pep talk from Mom or Dad.
All of these ideas can turn those glum, dreary days into imaginative, gutsy and challenging adventures for the entire family. Remember that it is still possible to heat up your mind even though the temperature is below freezing!
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Amanda Lehrman, founder of TheMommaFiles, is a trained teacher and curriculum consultant. She attended Fordham University and received an M.S.T in Elementary Education and has worked with the Accelerated Literacy Learning program as well as Teachers College Reading and Writing projects, Kaplan K-12 and Catapult Learning. Amanda currently teaches 3rd through 5th grade students in a Gifted & Talented program in Edison, NJ.
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