Snowed in? Your blizzard survival guide for kids

We’re facing record-breaking snow. With the next day or so of school cancelled, our Community and Education team put together some resources and activities that we hope parents can utilize.

Last night, my 5-year-old daughter asked if I had “those tricks up my sleeve” ready so she wouldn’t be bored being stuck home all day during the blizzard. So we started a list and came up with a few dozen activities that she and her sister could do, so that I might be able to get any work done today before hearing the dreaded phrase “I’m bored!”. It’s noon and she hasn’t told me she was bored, but we are halfway through the list! And, did I mention that the whole family is dealing with nasal congestion and our dog won’t do anything outside without access to the grass? But, we’re grateful to be safe and warm - and hope you are too!

If you could also use some ideas for ways to play, talk, and learn about snow, here are some ideas from the Ocean State Media Community & Education team:

• Daniel Tiger, Snowflake Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zd1pRAEEvZE
• Weather Hunters, Through Rain, Sun, Snow or Hail: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se_f5J-A27w
• Weather Hunters, Wonder About Snow: https://pbskids.org/videos/watch/the-weather-hunters-wonder-about/2442598/snow/2439115
• Alma’s Way, Snow Day in the Bronx: www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRno0acQVqQ
• Molly of Denali, There are different kinds of snow?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjDhzAfOWg4

• Sesame Street, How to talk about Blizzards: https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/here-for-each-other-blizzards/ From child-friendly explanations about the storm, snowy science experiments, and safety guidance for adults, this is your one-stop shop to hold down the fort during the blizzard.
  

• Poem - Big Snow | Between the Lions: https://ri.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/btl10.ela.early.poembigsnow/poem-big-snow/ (PreK)
• Snow Day | City Island: https://ri.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/snow-day/city-island/ (K-2) Explore jobs that workers do in the community to clean up after a snowstorm in this video from the PBS KIDS show City Island.
• Winter Wonderland: That’s Snow Business | Cartoon Academy: https://ri.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/winter-snow-business-video/cartoon-academy-wqed/ (3-5) Joe Wos walks viewers through the steps to creating a cartoon snowman and bringing characters to life through costume.
• There’s No Business Like Snow Business | Compact Science: https://ri.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/803de8ad-8741-4f7c-aaf4-1f0d6f76d944/the-science-of-lake-effect-snow-video-compact-science/ (6-8) Learn about the science of lake effect snow and explore density by stacking liquids.
• Why on Earth Are Winters Getting Worse if the Planet Is Getting Warmer? | Weathered: https://ri.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/why-winters-getting-worse-planet-warmer-video/weathered/ (9-12) Animations and expert explanations illustrate how major air currents work together to form winter storms. Climate scientists also explain how global warming can create colder regional winters, and how climate models improve over time.
  

• Bring the snow inside: Collect a couple of buckets and play with small figures, utensils, or other indoor items in a shallow pan or the tub.
• Catch snowflakes: Freeze a black piece of paper and hold it out to catch individual snowflakes then observe with a magnifying glass or take pictures.
• Opposite Day: Pretend it is summer and your family is getting ready for the beach. Have a beach day indoors by putting on your sunglasses and setting up beach chairs.
• How much snow? Cut a piece of string or find an item about the same length as the current snow totals and find as many items as possible that are the same height. Next, find items that are taller or shorter.
• Make an ice sculpture: https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/make-an-ice-sculpture From family to a team of investigators, work together to research the freezing point of water and make ice sculptures!
• Snow Paint: https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/how-to-make-snow-paint Check out this simple 2 ingredient snow paint activity.
• Go for Gold! 6 At-Home Olympic Math Activities for Preschoolers https://www.pbssocal.org/education/6-at-home-olympic-math-activities-for-preschoolers Create your own winter games with these 6 at-home easy to set up challenges.

• Digital Books

  • Little Snowflake: https://youtu.be/RXJXB7q9uYQ?si=Uly66VeW-Pm6khoj
  • Snowy Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYWodTneq-Q
  • Sesame Street Digital Storybooks: https://sesameworkshop.org/resources/games-and-storybooks/
  • Daniel Tiger Digital Storybooks: https://pbskids.org/daniel/all-games
  • Use your library card on the Libby App: https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard

Oh, and there is totally value to being bored, but that’s a conversation for another day!