Celebrating the changing seasons with Caillou
By Corinne Warnshuis, Educational Programs and Services Intern, WHYY
VIEW
Caillou is a show about a 4-year-old boy who has a big imagination and a knack for adventure. Like most children his age, he is fascinated by each little wonder in the world surrounding him. Every day that he embarks on a new adventure, curious Caillou finds opportunity to learn new things and have fun. Often embellishing his reality with creativity, Caillou engages his young viewers to use their imaginations, too. His world of fantasy and "make-believe" is well-distinguished from his real life day-to-day, showing a healthy balance. It's important for children Caillou's age to expand on their experiences through imagination; it has been shown to build confidence. Play is also a very important part of developing and maturing.
With winter all around us, Caillou is the perfect show to help children learn about our ever-changing seasons. Episodes such as "Winter!", "Nature", "All Kinds of Weather", "The World Around Me" and "Outdoor Adventures" will engage your children in finding out more about the wintertime changes, why and how they happen each year. So tune in at 2pm every weekday for Caillou's exciting adventures!
DO
During the episode, PBS Kids suggests that watching TV doesn't have to be a silent activity! Try talking to your child during the show and asking what he/she thinks. Encourage them to interact with the show: applaud, sing along, offer suggestions for Caillou. Before it's over, ask your child how they think it might end - this will help develop that healthy imagination.
While the impulse may be to stay in on these chilly winter days, take a note from Caillou: bundle up, and go explore! Nature is open all year long, so visit these arboreta with your children so they can see and learn first-hand the wonders of winter:
Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve
New Hope, PA
Look out for these beautiful plants of winter: River oats, Red-osier dogwood, Holly, Winterberry, Bayberry, Coneflower. Also see the "Winter Lecture Series" slide presentation.
Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College
Swarthmore, PA
Stop in and visit the Horticultural Library - with over 1000 garden-related books -- during your visit. If you plan it for the 14th, and you can take a "Walk with the Curator" of the gardens!
Morris Arboretum and the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
There are many educational opportunities here, geared at various age groups: try the "Tree Adventure" where children learn about the different parts of a tree, or learn more about the seasons in the "Seasons and Cycles" journey.
The Academy of Natural Sciences
Philadelphia, PA
Head over to the "Outside-In" children's nature museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences, where the outdoors is brought inside, creating an exciting place to learn about plants and animals.
READ
One of the most important components of learning about anything is reading!
Winter Nature Activities for Children
by Irmgard Kutsch and Brigitte Walden
Great Big Book of Little Wee Games available online at PBSkids
Learning With Nature Idea Book: Creating nurturing outdoor spaces for children
by the Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
The Amateur Naturalist's Handbook
by Vinson Brown
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