In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb?

Looking out at the gray sky today, it's easy to forget that underneath that mud, the earth is waking up! But  take heart, spring is on its way! 

As the days get longer and the ice on the pond begins to melt, little green buds will soon appear on the maple trees and before you know it, our woodland friends will be out and about with their little ones!

For now though, turn this blustery March weather into a teachable moment for you and your family.  It's the perfect time to talk about weather! Here's a great idea from our friends at Nature Net--make a Lion and Lamb calendar!

First, talk to your children about what the saying "In like a lion, out like a lamb" might mean. What aspects of weather determine whether it is ferocious or gentle? List elements of weather like temperature, wind, rain, snow, etc. that describe each. Now, make lion and lamb drawings, cut outs, crafts or clip photographs of each from magazines.

Choose a particular time of day (right before lunch or supper are good times as it will help engage and include the children in dinnertime conversation). Each day from now until the end of March, at the given time, have your child adhere the appropriate lamb or lion artwork on a calendar grid.

You can also add a bit of math and graphing practice by drawing a two column table with one side "Lion" and one side "Lamb". Have your child color one of the squares on either the lion or the lamb side (depending on what the weather is like) each day. And of course, you can add a bit of science and observation skills by recording the daily temperature. Click here for a Lion and Lamb graph template.

Does your calendar begin with a Lion and end with a Lamb? Is March more lion- or lamb-like? Are you surprised at your results? What do you think will happen next year?

For more hands-on fun, click here to make lion and lamb crafts!