As we enter winter, we’ll be posting about different winter weather activities for cold days. While at home during the break, the kids have been waiting and waiting for snow, so we decided snow will be the first post! Unfortunately, since snow doesn’t appear to be on the forecast, we’ve had to make do with making our own snow. There are many snow “recipes” out there and my recommendation is to try them all see which one your child likes best! Trying different ones creates opportunities to discuss similarities and differences between the different snows. Some will be squishy, some will be dusty, and some will be wet. Here are 3 to try:
1. Shaving cream and corn starch – I like to use a large disposable baking pan. ~1/2 of a box of corn starch and enough shaving cream to make a texture that is easily moldable. This is the perfect mixture for actually forming snowballs. If you’re not afraid of glitter, silver glitter makes the perfect amount of sparkle. Add winter animals or Little People characters, or small cars for pretend play fun! 
2. Shaving cream and glue – If you mix these two together, you get a light, airy texture that dries into a puffy paint texture. This mixture if great for creating a snowy picture of construction or card stock paper. If you have a sensory-averse child, give them a paintbrush to create their picture. As they grow more comfortable exploring the texture, see if they will use their fingers to tap or make swirls. Visit our Pinterest page for The Snowy Day activity that accompanies this snow project.
3. Ivory soap snow – if you can find an old-school Ivory soap powder box in your grocery store, that is the best way to go! If you can’t find the powder, a regular Ivory soap bar will work. If you have the powder, pour it into a bowl and add water. If you have the bar, grate the bar into a bowl and add water. Use your mixer to whip up some snow!
As always, recipes and art projects create opportunities for enhancing language and communication. Talk about the steps you’re doing, ask your child to think about what might come next, discuss the different textures you’ve created, and think of a snowy scene to draw/paint with the textures. Have fun and be prepared for a mess!
PS. If you’re not into making a mess, Floof! is an amazing fake snow 
that is slightly softer and lighter than Play-doh, but just as moldable. It also comes with the accessories needed to dress 2 different snowmen! Stay tuned for more winter weather activities to come!