PlayDateJam: Enjoying the Wind

March is in like a lion and out like a lamb.  With the change of seasons, many of us trade our winter wear and snow shovels for windbreakers and picnic baskets.  In many parts of the world, early spring is known for it’s windy weather, perfect for playing with pinwheels, paper airplanes and flying kites.  

Of course, flying a kite is a great way to play with the wind.  You can buy a kite or make one from scratch.  If you find yourself out at the park with no kites in sight, tie the handles of a plastic bag together on a string and viola! you have instant fun. When your out playing, you can always break into song with this verse from Mary Popins:

For more windy day fun, try bubbles. Homemade or store bought, bubbles are a sure winner.  Try chasing down a herd of bubbles, blow one at a time,  or let the wind blow your bubbles for you.  Expand your bubble wand collection by bringing a variety of kitchen and playroom tools (spatula, straw, strainer, butterfly net, wire coat hanger).  Add science to the fun by forming a hypothesis about the shape of your bubbles when using different kinds of wands.

When you’re all done your day in the wind, don’t forget to take some quiet time looking at the clouds.  Windy days are great for observing changing clouds.  No clouds in the sky?  Find some small seeds to blow into the wind.  If March is still to cold where you live to go outside, you can enjoy windy days through the world of books. Check out It looked like It Looked Like Spilt Milk, and The Tiny Seed, during your next Library trip.