Preparing for Winter: Warmth and Connection

LESSON 6

Children learn the importance of staying warm and emotionally connected during colder months.

  • Fabric (flannel or cotton works well)

  • Cotton thread (threads made with synthetic materials can burn or melt in microwave)

  • Filling for warming bag (rice, corn kernels, flax seed, cherry pits, crushed walnuts shells, etc. )

  • Sewing machine or needle and thread

  • Paper

  • Crayons or pencil

    Optional:

  • Funnel

  • Essential oils

  • The book, “Winter,” by Gerda Muller

Materials

  • Gather materials

Preparations

  • Guide children in understanding the importance of staying warm and comfortable during winter.

  • Facilitate a hands-on activity for children to create their own heat pads.

  • Lead discussions and activities that help children recognize the value of connection during the winter season.

  • Encourage children to participate in the creation of a winter bucket list, promoting family togetherness, excitement for winter activities.

  • Foster a sense of anticipation by initiating the discussion and creation of a winter bucket list.

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children learn the importance of staying warm during the winter months.

  • Children explore the significance of emotional connection with loved ones.

  • Children gain an understanding of the value of connection during the winter season.

  • Children participate in the creation of a winter bucket list, promoting family togetherness and excitement for winter activities.

  • Children practice practical skills by participating in the creation of a heat pad.

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

  • Practice saying the poem with the actions you came up with.

November comes and November goes

November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring.

- Elizabeth Coatsworth

Activity Flow

  1. Begin this activity by recalling the story and activities from the previous lesson. Discuss how music and food are beneficial during the winter months. If you would like, re-read the story “Wild Child,” to introduce the topics of warmth and connection we will focus on during today's lesson.

  2. Warmth: During the story, the child asks for pajamas before taking a rest. Ask your child why they love their pajamas. Explain that pajamas help keep us warm and snug while we sleep. Ask your child if they can think of ways to stay warm and cozy during the winter. Then, discuss some of the ways people stay warm during the winter months. Here are some ideas:

    1. Wear Cozy Clothes

    2. Blankets and Snuggles

    3. Warm Drinks

    4. Stay Active

    5. Heat from Indoors

    6. Warm Baths

    After discussing various ways to stay warm during the winter months, introduce today's activity: crafting your very own heat pad. Explain that heat pads are another way we can stay warm in the winter months. Once prepared, you will be able to toss it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes and instantly have a toasty companion to warm you up.

Instructions:

1. Begin by cutting two equal-sized fabric rectangles or shape of choice. The size depends on your preference. Ensure the fabric pieces are right sides facing each other.

2. Use a sewing machine or hand-sew, leaving about 2 inches open for turning out the fabric and filling.

3. Turn the fabric right side out through the open end. This will hide the seams inside the heat pad.

4. Use a funnel to make the process easier. Pour your chosen filling (rice, corn, cherry pits, or crushed walnuts) into the fabric pouch. Be sure not to overfill it; leave some room to allow the filling to move around inside.

5. If you want to add fragrance, you can put a few drops of essential oil into the pouch before sealing it.

6. Carefully fold in the raw edges of the open side and sew it shut. Make sure the seam is secure to prevent any filling from escaping.

7. To use your heat pad, heat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave's wattage. Be cautious not to overheat it, as it can cause the filling to burn. The heat pad should be warm but not too hot to touch. Enjoy!

8. If the heat pad cools down, you can reheat it in the microwave for another 30 seconds to keep it warm and cozy.

3. Connection: The last thing the child asks for before finally resting, is a kiss. A kiss is one way we can show our love for those we are closest to. Connection to loved ones is vital, especially for young children. A strong emotional connection offers comfort, reassurance, and a secure base from which the child can explore and learn. The presence of consistent, loving relationships during this period is crucial for the child's self-esteem and overall mental well-being. Fostering strong relationships is at the heart of Kinderfolk.

Winter holds a unique opportunity for strengthening the parent-child bond and nurturing emotional development. Engaging in shared experiences, such as crafting, baking, or playing games, fosters deep attachment connections and allows children to feel seen, valued, and understood. The winter season provides a wonderful backdrop for building these memories. By investing time in these meaningful interactions, parents not only provide a sense of emotional security but also facilitate the development of a strong and resilient attachment that can benefit children throughout their lives.

To conclude this unit, craft a winter bucket list that you and your child can enjoy together as a family. Encourage your child to express their ideas through drawings or a written list, and make sure to keep it handy. As you progress through the winter season, aim to check off each activity, creating cherished memories along the way.

Here are some ideas:

1. Build a Snowman

2. Go Sledding

3. Make Snow Angels

4. Ice Skating

5. Winter Nature Walk

6. Bake Winter Treats

7. Movie Night

8. Create Winter Art

9. Build an Indoor Fort

10. Read Winter Stories