Do It Yourself Programming Ideas: Winter Solstice
Using a theme of Winter Solstice for a hands-on program is more inclusive than a specific winter religious holiday, and it also offers the opportunity for science-related activities! Thanks to Sara Linhart for some of these ideas. Here are some fun ideas related to the Winter Solstice that you can use for a program, makerspace event, or to offer for passive programming.
Begin with a description of what the winter solstice is, and what cultures celebrate it. As an icebreaker, try one of the following books as a read-aloud:
Cooper, Susan. The Shortest Day.
Fox, Kate Allen. Winter Solstice Wish.
Gleisner, Jenna Lee. Winter Solstice.
Gross, Kelsey E. Winter: A Solstice Story.
Nakhaei, F. The Last Pomegranate.
Pfeffer, Wendy. The Shortest Day.
Yolen, Jane. We Celebrate the Light.
For refreshments, offer hot cocoa or hot apple cider, cookies, and apple slices.
Games
Winter Games from Around the World: Winter games for kids | Parents | National Geographic Kids (natgeokids.com)
Ten different games are offered on this site. Many are similar to games that kids will already know, like playing with a top, hopscotch, tag, and others.
Winter Solstice Science: Add some fun science demonstrations to your event, such as the Hot Potato game described here: Season Science: 5 Winter Solstice Activities | Teaching Channel.
Collaborative Activity: Build a replica of Stonehenge out of Legos! LEGO IDEAS – Keep it basic! – Stonehenge Architecture Build.
Crafts
Paper Lanterns: Fun Camping Ideas To Entertain Kids – Family Days Tried And Tested (pinterest.com)
Paper Snowflake Chains: Paper Chain Snowflakes : 4 Steps (with Pictures) – Instructables
Winter Nature Crowns: How to Make 3 DIY Nature Crowns for Kids • RUN WILD MY CHILD
Yuletide Logs: Yule Log Craft For Winter Solstice – Little Bins for Little Hands
Birdseed Ornaments: Easy Birdseed Ornaments – Little Bins for Little Hands.
Penny Peck, San Jose State University iSchool
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