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When life gives you snow, make a snow house -- aka a "quinzhee." This activity makes use of what’s all around you (literally). Kids will gain empathy for the animals who make their homes outdoors all year round, and you might just find yourself making friends with winter again…at least for a couple hours.
What is a quinzhee? A snug snow hut that provides shelter during even the wintriest winter. It takes under two hours to build with one of those hours just waiting for snow to settle -- and kids have spend countless more hours decorating it, hosting parties in it, and hiding out in it, even in single-digit weather. Add a small lantern when the day grows dim and voila, you’ve rekindled the magic of winter.
Risk Management: As with so many truly enriching play experiences, a snow house comes with risks. Follow directions carefully when you build, allowing at least an hour for the mound to settle and leaving at least a foot on all surfaces. Adults must keep a watchful eye as they allow children to play freely, making sure that the structure does not get compromised. We also teach children about how and why we never climb on the outside of the snow house. As with all things, these become wonderful lessons and keeps safe risk taking a part of our children's lives!
What’s the big deal with a glorified snow fort? Plenty. Tucking their bodies into small, enclosed spaces is not just a perennial favorite for small children -- it’s also brain/body coordination work that falls into a set of preschooler behavior patterns known as behavioral schema. Kids engage multiple senses as they explore the sights, scents, textures, and even temperatures of snow play. Playing house is a powerful imaginary exercise that gives children the opportunity to emulate the people most important to them (you!). The quinzhee lends itself to cozy, rich sensory experiences, such as steaming hot cocoa and a flickering lantern against the dark, cold afternoon. These are the kinds of memories children hang on to well into adulthood. And perhaps best of all, sustained outdoor activity often leads to deep sleeps later that evening. Enjoy!
Great deals on DIY kits designed for learning through play. Check out the Circle Time Essentials Kit to make the most of this season!