When you live in the UK during March then you may literally experience all four seasons in one go! From biting cold to sunshine, chilling wind to balmy temperatures and possibly a smattering of snow and sleet in between, it is no coincidence that according to a 17th century saying March ‘comes in like a lion and out like a lamb’. With Winter feeling like it’s dragging its feet and Spring never going to get here, March can be a frustrating time for us adults. For children though there really is no such thing as bad weather so what better time to don coats and wellies and enjoy our abundant weather? If you need some inspiration here’s some ideas for fun things to do, whatever the weather!
If it’s Windy... •
•
If safe to do so, sit huddled up outdoors listening to the sound of the wind and rustling leaves.
Listen to or make up a story with the wind as the main character.
• Create wind chimes from old CD’s and shells etc to hang in the trees and listen and watch them move.
• Create simple windmills for exploring wind direction.
If it’s Rainy... •
Find some puddles to splash and jump in.
• Sit in a tent or snuggled under an umbrella outdoors and simply listen to
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It’s all Child’s Play Marvelous March...
Feature by Sue Gascoyne of Play-Z Ltd the sound of the rain on the canvas.
• •
Trace the lines of rain drops with fi ngers on the window panes.
Play rain drop races as you see whose rain drop trail will reach the bottom of the pane fi rst.
• Create rivers and dams with left over guttering and have mini boat races.
If it’s Cloudy •
•
Lie on the fl oor looking at the clouds to play a spot the shape or animal game.
Have a hunt outdoors to spot the fi rst shoots and talk about which plants they think they will grow into.
If it’s Sunny... • Go on a shadow hunt. • Make shadow animals. •
Lay some sugar paper in the sun with some objects arranged on top. After an hour or more check what patterns have been left and use to play a matching game with the objects.
• Make a simple sundial to explore time. •
Have fun writing or painting on the fl oor with water and watching the writing and pictures disappear as the sun dries the water.
Whatever the weather, this is a great time for captivating, exciting and enlightening children about the world around us. If we adults can take the time to look at our world through the eyes of a child then maybe we too can appreciate the joys of March.
www.playtoz.co.uk To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e.
the.wire@btinternet.com
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