Searching for something that will keep children active during the cold winter months? University of Illinois Extension free winter take home kits may help fill some of the down time. The kits are developed for children and provide teachers, parents and caregivers an easy way to engage their children in meaningful learning experiences about the world around them.
Created by Extension professionals as well as Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers. Each kit contains materials, complete instructions and tips for engaging students in the activities.
Wendy Ferguson, horticulture program coordinator said, “After the success of our first group of take home kits, we are excited to be able to continue the program with four brand new kits designed to embrace the winter season.”
The four kits offered this quarter are:
- Winter Tree Art: (for ages PreK – 3rd grade) Learn the different tree shapes by making your own "winter wonderland" using collected sticks, glue, and paint.
- Pine Cone Magic: (for PreK – 4th grade) Explore the parts of the pine cone and then conduct "experiments" to learn how water and air affect them.
- Winter Birding: (for all ages) Learn what birds stay in your community during the winter by making an easy suet cake feeder.
- Snow & Ice: (for all ages) Go and explore with this kit filled with cool experiments. Then warm up inside and make your own 3-D snowflake.
To order your kits or to learn more, contact Wendy Ferguson, horticulture program coordinator at the Knox County Extension office. Drive by pick up is available (safety guidelines permitting) at the Extension offices in Galesburg, Macomb, Monmouth, and Stronghurst. Quantities for the take home kits are limited. The kits will be available for pick up starting January 8, 2021.
SOURCE: Wendy Ferguson, Horticulture Program Coordinator, Illinois Extension
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