If it’s fun, children enjoy it. An at home activity based around color coordination begins the instruction-in-disguise. Whether using crayons or colored paper, have your child draw the necessary clothing for winter. The game will then be, “If you were going shopping, what colors would you select for each item?” You can demonstrate examples of color coordinations, then they can design their own. Once their designs are created and you are comfortable with their coordinations, it’s time for their special journey to the store specifically to shop for winter clothing and accessories. Have them bring their winter clothing designs, which they will now purchase.
In addition to learning about winter apparel, a lesson in purchasing would be secondary. By preparing in advance to have an adequate amount of cash on hand, once the cashier rings up a child’s items, let that child hand cashier the money. Repeat for each child. While this may be tedious for you and the cashier, it is teaching the child to make purchases. If change is received and it is a small amount, you may wish to consider allowing each child to retain the change for a future purchase by banking it at home.
Once children have their winter attire, time passes too slowly for them as they are anxious to wear their new outfit. While their anticipation continues to grow, the next part of their lesson would be to learn why it is important to wear each item of clothing.
Gloves – Let them hold an ice cube to demonstrate how cold hands get in the snow. Once hands are dried and warmed, repeat holding an ice cube with the gloves on. Let them identify the difference.
Boots – Talk about the time they stepped into a puddle or mud. “How did your feet feel?” Take a good look at the boots. Explain that boots are made of materials that will not allow water to seep through unless you’ve been in the water a very long time. “Will water get your feet wet when you wear these? Will mud dirty your feet?
Hat – Few children don’t enjoy wearing hats, especially during fantasy play. If they believe they look “cool” or “beautiful” in their new hat, they will be worn without a fuss. Talking about why we wear a hat should include to keep ears and head warm and dry.
Winter Coat – Why not allow children to wear the coat indoors as they will undoubtedly do anyway? It is perfect for demonstrating how warm the coat is and explain how it keeps in the body’s heat while keeping out the frigid winter temperature.
Snow Pants – As stated with the winter coat, the same lessons would be learned by wearing them indoors.
Lastly, the best teaching tool for children is example. If mom and dad wear proper winter attire, they will copy the adults. After all, how can we expect a child to wear a hat if you don’t wear one? If it is your hair doo that you don’t want messed up, find a hat or head scarf that can be worn with the least amount of disruption to your hair doo. Boots are another item that parents often neglect wearing. If you have children, it’s time to re-think your winter gear habits. Your example is paramount to their proper dressing.
