Snow watercolor

Last week it was too cold to play in the snow so we decided to bring the snow inside!  (I would recommend having a waterproof tablecloth, shower curtain, or even a towel for the duration of this activity ;) )

First we droppered food coloring into the snow.

Then we dropped pieces of the colored snow all over some paper.

Then we watched it melt.  I posed questions to Brother, asking him why the snow is melting, what is happening as it melts, and whether bigger or smaller piles melt faster.  But mostly he was just interested in creating a huge pile of snow!

 

Finished product!

   

While we were waiting for the painting to dry we brought in some fresh snow and made a miniature snowman.

First, assemble random bits and pieces:

Second, taste the snow!

 

Third, assemble snowman:

 

Meet our late friend, Clyde (he has long since moved on, a.k.a. melted)

 Any of our readers have any snow around?  Ours is gone now; I'm hoping for one more snow so we can take the boys sledding!

Product Review: Melissa & Doug See & Spell

Today's post is a product review of the Melissa and Doug See & Spell set (note: I was not asked to do this review by anyone and I did not receive anything for it).  This product is available on Amazon.com via my affiliate link: Melissa & Doug See & Spell

My oldest son loves puzzles and letters!  The Melissa & Doug See & Spell offers him the joy of both, along with the feeling of accomplishment when he spells a word.  This educational toy promotes letter recognition, beginning spelling, letter sounds (when he isn't sure what the letter is I help him sound out the letter), builds self-confidence, and is just plain fun!  

Each of the words is three or four letters long and is accompanied by a colorful and easy-to-recognize -picture to aid with word recognition.  There are 8 wooden cards, each with a word on the front and another on the back, for a total of 18 words (my son loves turning over the card to see what the word on the other side is).  There are over 50 wooden letters in different vivid colors to make individual letters easier to find.  There are multiples of many of the letters, enabling the child to spell words on several cards without having to take letters off of other cards.  

We have had the set for almost four months and it has held up very well and continues to be a favorite.  My only complaint is that there is no cover, which means we have to put the set up to ensure we don't lose any pieces.  Other than that, my son really enjoys playing with it, and I enjoy seeing his face light up with pride when he spells words all on his own.  I would really recommend this toy, especially for preschoolers and early elementary - manufacturer suggested age is 4-7, but my 2-1/2 year old loves it.  I just watch him closely since the letters could be a choking hazard.