Fun fine motor activity guaranteed to keep kids busy in winter

Winter time brings lots of fun learning experiences but sometimes it is just too cold to go outside.  That is when I bring the icy the cold inside!  One of my kids favorite fine motor activities is to dig toys out of a block of ice.  I take a bucket and fill it with a variety of toys and then add water and put it in the freezer (or leave it outside if it is -30 degrees like it was here last week)  The next day, I take the bucket out and give the kids wooden or plastic hammers, screw drivers, spoons, forks, etc.. and let them try to "dig" the toys out.  

You can also bring out a spray bottle and a squeeze bottle to pour water onto the ice to help it melt.  All great fine motor activities and it keeps the kids occupied for a long, long time!!  Don't forget the gloves, small hands get cold fast.

This activity works great in the water table with kindergarten and preschool students. Although if possible it works best if you give kids their own ice block and a bucket. Less accidental hammering of your neighbors fingers.

What kinds of things do you do to keep the kids busy during long winter days?

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Check out our fine motor page for more ideas.