A nature/discovery table is a terrific center for early childhood, but winter can present some prop challenges. What do you put at the table when the weather is frigid and there’s a foot of snow on the ground? I pondered this question for awhile. Honestly, my brain got about as far as pinecones as an option and then I stared at my computer screen blankly. So I did some searching and came up with a list of options. Now I know not all of these items are natural, but I think we can bend the rules a bit for this frosty season. Choose your favorite items, and then add magnifying glasses and even color paddles, such as these. Little ones will be fascinated throughout the season.
- Pinecones
- Evergreen twigs/branches
- Cinnamon sticks
- Birch branch wood slices
- Poinsettia plant
- Blue and white glass gems
- Mixed bird seed and tweezers
- Container of snow or ice (to observe melting) and a thermometer
- Photos of snowflakes
- Discovery bottles: sealed water bottles containing cranberries, holly, and pine twigs
- Scent jars (ginger, cotton balls soaked with peppermint and spearmint extract)
- Rocks
- Paper and crayons, for observations
- Picture books, such as the following:
What do you put in your nature/discovery table during the winter months?
I freeze ice in paper cups and remove. Place in the table with salt. So the children can use it to melt the ice
I also have given them ice with watercolors and eye droppers. The colors get into the ice very pretty and the kids love it