A Great Way to Avoid Cabin Fever
By Stephanie Pérez, WHYY Children's Service
It's January, the holidays are just about over and the weather may seem colder than ever. This is just about the time we may begin to get the first symptoms of the dreaded cabin fever. This year let's avoid getting full blown cabin fever by finding new things to do with our children in doors on days where it may be too cold or snowy to venture outside. A new and exciting adventure for your child may be beginning to learn about science and astronomy by way of The Zula Patrol.
The Zula Patrol provides children from pre-kindergarten through second grade with fun filled entertainment that is also educational. In viewing this series children are taught in simple terms just how interesting our universe, galaxy, and solar system can be. The show not only teaches children respect for our planet and solar system but also respect for themselves and each other by way of its secondary goals of teaching non-violence and tolerance. Cuddle up this winter and tune in to The Zula Patrol and see for your self just how entertaining and educational the experience can be.
VIEW
The Zula Patrol airs Sunday's at 8:00 am on WHYY, Channel 12.
DO
After spending some time learning about planets on The Zula Patrol have your child create a planet of their own. Encourage them to use their imagination by drawing a picture of their planet. Depending on your child's age have them create a story about their planet either in writing or out loud. Encourage them to describe the weather on their planet, what it is made of, whether or not there is life on their planet, and what grows there. Make sure to give them credit as the discoverer of the planet.
As an added bonus for your child's work make moon balls for a post or pre activity snack. In a large bowl "mix dry milk, raisins, and 3 cups graham cracker crumbs. Add honey and peanut butter, mix well (hands do best) Roll into small balls. Place remaining 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs in a large baggie. Place several balls at a time into the baggie and shake, and then place on a cookie sheet. Chill then eat." (www.atozkidsstuff.com/space.html).
Materials Needed:
Planet Creation: Crayons and/or markers, Pencil, and construction paper
Moon Balls: 2 Cups Peanut butter, 1 1/3 Cup Honey, 2 Cups Raisins, 2 Cups Dry milk, 3 1/2 Cups Graham cracker crumbs (keep 1/2 cup separate)
READ
The Planets in our Solar System (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science, Stage 2) by Franklyn M Branley
This book allows you to take a journey through our solar system by way of a trip to the planetarium. The Planets in our Solar System, gives children ages four through eight an early appreciation for our solar system in its entirety. The book also provides websites for parents and children to learn even more about astronomy.
There's No Place Like Space: All about our Solar System by Tish Rabe
Another great book in the Cat in the Hat Learning series, There's No Place Like Space, provides an excellent way for children ages four through eight to become excited about learning and reading. Planets, constellations, moon and sun are all introduced to readers in a fun manner that just may launch your child's interest in science.
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