Our School-age group 2 and some of the Before School children were enjoying the heavy packing snow outside. They were building boulders, caves and snow people. So, we decided to extend this activity indoors by making snow people with white socks and rice, something that they can take home and keep as a winter momentum. First, we started by cutting the bottom of the socks and decorated them with acrylic paint to make the hats of the snow people. As, they were doing this Alexis said, “I will colour mine brown and then use brown pom poms for the ears.” Zoe said, “I will just do polka dots on mine.” While Ellery added, “I am making a rainbow pattern.” As the conversation continued all the children were able to finish decorating their hats with designs and colours of their choice. When it was time to start filling the rice into the socks, the children were finding it difficult to pour the rice into the socks. As this problem continued, James suggested, I think we need something like a funnel to pour the rice into the socks.” Then, Claire added, “Oh, we can roll a piece of paper to use like a funnel.” With some trial and error and some problem-solving skills, they were able to settle with a paper cup with the bottom removed.
The socks were filled and tied into sections for the heads and bodies of the snow people. The next step was to attach the hats and add the features of the snow people. Eliza chose pink buttons for the eyes and body while Zain chose blue. Freya said, “I am using purple and pink buttons and a purple pom pom on the hat.” After a few days the children were able to finish their snow people and were very proud to take them home.
Throughout this activity the children were able to practice risk taking by using the hot glue gun independently. They were given an opportunity to make choices and develop problem solving skills. They also expressed themselves freely through oral conversations while doing the activity.
