Splish-Splash Rain Play

The challenge to play outside every day in the month of April is on.  So far we have had good weather, but it is April and we will get rain (and maybe even worse) in Iowa.  So Danielle at Can You Come Outside to Play? has challenged us to brainstorm ideas about how to get outside in the rain this week.

I am wearing two hats for this monthly challenge.  I am both a mom of three young boys and a preschool teacher.  I find it easier to get out in the rain with my own children.  We have multiple changes of clothes on hand and it's no big deal to strip down and take a shower if we get muddy.  Plus I am okay with them getting wet.  I'm not concerned about the mud or the chance of them getting a cold.  As far as the preschoolers, we have gone out in some light rain, but we normally stay inside.  I'm going to be thinking about that this month.

So what can you do to get outside when it is raining?  Really, you can do the same sorts of things in the rain that you can do when it is not raining.  Playing on the playground and taking a walk become new, exciting activities in the rain.  Playing in the sand and making canals, dams, or sandcastles becomes a science lesson and a lesson in cause and effect.

Splashing in puddles, squishing mud between your toes, and making mud pies are activities that are easier on a rainy day.

I did a quick google search and found these art suggestions.  Drawing with chalk on a wet pavement is a different experience than drawing on dry pavement.  The chalk becomes more vibrant and almost paint-like.  Another idea is to sprinkle a few drops of food coloring on a paper plate and wander about the yard allowing raindrops to mix the colors.  No two plates will be the same.

A science activity would be to go to a pond or stream to hunt for frogs, turtles, and other rain-loving wildlife.

Lots of rain themed songs have been passing through my head as I have been typing.  I would love to just go out in the rain and sing and dance with my kids.  Here's a few song suggestions from a few different genres (I have quite eclectic taste):
Purple Rain, Prince

Rockin' With the Rhythm of the Rain, The Judds

Blame it on the Rain, Milli Vanilli
I Love a Rainy Night, Eddie Rabbit
Singing in the Rain, Gene Kelly
Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Judy Garland (though there is a newer version by Isreal something that is catchy.  I think it is the version that played on ER when Dr. Greene died.)

So a rainy day does not have to mean that you can't go outside.  Certainly, you should watch the skies and avoid outdoor play in lightning or other severe weather.  But usually sometime during a rainy day you could get out and enjoy the rain.  Think of those memories you are making...

Gratituesday

Several of the blogs I follow have occasional gratitude themed posts.  In the interest of trying to make this a frequent theme here, I am calling it Gratituesday.  On this and future Gratituesday posts I will list some of the small (or big) things that I am grateful for.  I believe we all have positive things and negative things going on in our lives at all times, but the ones that you concentrate on will determine how you approach each day.  I strive for a positive demeanor whenever possible.


Today was our Valentine's Party at preschool.  I am so grateful for the terrific group our parents we have.  We have four holiday parties a year and turn the party responsibilities over to the parents for each party.  We suggest the committee plan a craft, game/activity, and a snack.  We have had a different set of parents plan each of the parties this year.  And each committee approaches the party in their own way.  Some are super planned with detailed lists and others offered just a general plan, but each party has been great.  This takes the stress off of the teaching staff and also makes the parents a bigger part of the program.


I am grateful for chocolate.  I've got to keep up enough of a sugar high to keep up with the kiddos around me.  One lovely family sent a bag of decent chocolate for the teachers to share.  


I'm grateful for the sunshine and warmer weather.  It feels so good to be able to step outside without a coat.  And even though the ground of a sloppy mix of mud and dirty snow right now, it is a reminder that spring will be here in about a month.


What are you grateful for today?