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Although parents have to make calls about when hot is just too hot for kids, kids and adults alike are capable of contending with the heat more than we think. A little diversion goes a long way, and building and decorating a “nature fan” is just the thing kids need to feel in control of their own physical comfort and enjoy being both maker and master of a powerful tool—a functional fan. Searching for objects to adorn the fan, arranging the objects and designing the fan itself are all powerful creativity boosting tasks. Get them talking about their fan and their process, and you sneak in building communication skills and self esteem. It'll definitely make you glad you and your kiddos left the AC behind to brave the heat.
Kids benefit from this activity in several ways, beyond being able to stay more focused after they get more comfortable in the heat. The pride they derive from making a nature fan "all by themselves" and the chance to take their comfort into their own hands builds self reliance, which is so hard to teach these days. Examining all the amazing sights, smells and textures in nature builds on their inherent curiosity and requires kids to use multiple senses carefully in the search for natural decorations. Putting the fan together and then imagining and trying out different ways to use their nature fans gives kids several ways to develop creativity. Whether or not you challenge kids to find a category of objects, all ages have to pay attention and stay focused on the task at hand as they hunt for objects and decorate their fans.
Great deals on DIY kits designed for learning through play. Check out the Circle Time Essentials Kit to make the most of this season!