Snow Day Adventures & Learning Through Play in my home childcare. The expectation of heavy snow / winter storm led to school closures today, which meant my teenagers were home with me, navigating their e-learning schedules. Some home childcare providers close on snow days or during emergency weather conditions, but I choose to remain open—especially for families who still have to work outside their homes.
children investigating lights
When my teenagers were younger, they loved working alongside me in the daycare—engaging with the younger children, helping with activities, and being part of the fun. But now, they’re more focused on their own world—schoolwork, personal interests, and doing things their own way.
Starting the Day
I got up at 5:32 AM—later than usual. My morning routine included a Billy Blanks workout, a shower, breakfast, and some quiet time reading the Bible before easing into the day. By the time the first child arrived, I felt ready to welcome them into a day filled with play and learning.
Morning Activities
We had six children today, making for a lively and engaging morning. The older children worked in their journals, using collage techniques with crayons, markers, and watercolor crayons. Meanwhile, the younger ones played dress-up in the dramatic playroom, letting their imaginations run wild. Some of the children also investigated with magnatiles on a lamp light.
artwork of older children
Afterward, everyone collaborated on a construction project using magnet tiles, straws, and pipe cleaners—building tunnels and unique structures together.
After breakfast, we revisited an art project from a few days ago—coloring the animal footprints they had stamped earlier. I wet the colored chalk and left it on the table, giving them permission to color freely. Their excitement grew as they watched the colors blend, create lines, and bleed into one another. The paper transformed before their eyes, and yes, their hands got wonderfully messy! I’ll be making a separate blog post about this process—it was truly a sensory experience worth sharing.
collobartive artwork done my the children
Outdoor Play in the Snow
With fresh snow falling, we couldn’t resist heading outdoors. The children were thrilled to scoop up the snow, feel its cool texture in their hands, and watch as it covered the ground like a fluffy blanket.
Snow days are the best days for us. We love playing outside—catching snowflakes on our tongues, digging, chasing each other, and simply soaking in the fresh air. The snow invites us to step away from the indoors, slow down, and experience nature as it changes with the seasons.
children playing in the snow
Yes, it takes effort to get everyone dressed and outside, but since I am no longer the one cooking lunch, that frees up so much time. If you are a home childcare provider struggling with time management, I encourage you to take back your time—consider having parents provide lunch and breakfast while you focus on offering snacks. It’s a small change that has made a big difference for me.
Books We Read During Lunch
- The Surprise Party by Pat Hutchins
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle
picture of books read to the children
Afternoon Calm
After lunch, the children engaged in imaginative play with the dollhouse—setting up tiny scenes and creating stories together. Now, they are resting, their little bodies recharging after a busy morning of creativity, movement, and discovery.
toddler dress up play
Reflection
Today’s snow day was a reminder that there’s beauty in embracing childhood. Worksheets can be abandoned, and learning can happen naturally. Whether it’s journaling, playing in the snow, or getting lost in a book, learning happens in the small, everyday moments we create together in my home childcare.
children working on construction with magnatiles
Until tomorrow, I am your home educator in the trenches with you.
xoxo, Miss Sue
