Four Seasons: Working toward a book of seasons, take the kids for a quick walk outside and pick a place to draw or take pictures of the winter landscape. Each time the weather changes, they can go back to the same spot and draw or take another picture. Fill in the pages with words or drawings of the different things they see outside each time - snow, brown leaves on the ground, flowers, or birds. It's a nice reason to get outside for a little bit even when it's cold.

You're the Star!: Kids love to be the stars of their own books. So as your kids are doing things around the house that have a series of steps - sledding, dressing up in cold weather gear, setting the table, getting ready for bed--you name it--take some pictures! Then, have the kids put them in sequence and string them together as a book. Or, turn it into a craft project! Younger kids can glue pictures on pages and design a cover and older kids can add their own words.

 
Need to Get Out of the House? Visit the Smithsonian!

The Smithsonian museums offer countless ways to build learning and literacy skills with your family. Get the kids involved in planning your trip by relating your visit to what they're learning at school or what they are interested in (Dinosaurs? Spaceships? Clothes? Rocks?). Visiting the museum's website together or browsing brochures helps build literacy skills and excitement for your field trip. Check out the Smithsonian's website for more great ideas and games to enhance your visit.