Natural Material Winter Crafts

As the weather gets colder, we love finding creative, child-led ways to bring warmth, play, and exploration into our days. Here are a few ideas to try at home!

Pinecone Snowmen

Pinecones are a true winter staple here in Wisconsin, and they make the perfect base for seasonal creativity. Start with a simple nature walk, local parks and trails are great places for children to gather pinecones of all shapes and sizes. Once you’ve collected your favorites, bring them inside and transform them into little pinecone snowmen using materials like googly eyes, pipe cleaners, buttons, glitter, or anything you have on hand. This activity invites imagination, fine-motor work, and lots of cozy winter fun.

Twig Snowflakes

Bundle up for another nature walk, this time on the lookout for a variety of small sticks and twigs. After collecting an assortment, bring them together by gluing the ends or centers to form a star shape. Children can attach smaller twigs to build a more intricate snowflake design or keep it simple and decorate the star as it is. Natural materials offer so many possibilities, and each snowflake will turn out beautifully unique.

Ice Painting

This project requires a little prep, but the results are always worth it. Start by filling an ice tray (or silicone molds, egg cartons, or any container with small wells) with water mixed with food coloring, acrylic paint, or natural dyes like pomegranate juice or turmeric. Insert a popsicle stick into each section and freeze overnight. Once solid, children can use the colorful ice blocks as paint brushes to create swirling, melting winter art while exploring temperature, color mixing, and sensory play.

Guiding Principles Check-In

As the winter season settles in, we take a moment to reflect on how this season connects to Nestling House’s guiding principles. Winter invites us to slow down, find warmth in familiar routines, and stay grounded in the values that shape our days.

Home-Like Setting

During the colder months, our home-like classrooms become especially important. Soft lighting, cozy spaces, and familiar materials helps children settle in and feel truly at home. We want Nestling House to feel like an extension of the comfort and security children experience with their families.

Predictable Caregiving routines

Winter can bring changes and excitement outside of school, but at Nestling House we still lean into the power we have discovered in dependable routines. Unhurried transitions, shared mealtimes, and consistent caregiving moments give children the stability they need to navigate new experiences with confidence.

Mixed age groups

Our mixed-age classrooms shine in winder, as older and younger children support one another during season shifts. Whether its getting boots on or taking off snow pants, our older friends are always willing to step in to offer a helping hand. These relationships build empathy, cooperation, and a sense of family that keeps everyone connected.

Continuity of care

Our children enter every season with caregivers who know their cues, preferences, and rhythms. This continuity helps children feel understood, allows them to express their needs, explore when they’re ready, and form secure attachments that they carry with them throughout their time in our centers.

Natural outdoor play space

Our outdoor space shifts as snow covers our environment, but it never stops offering wonder. We bundle up and head outside whenever possible, encouraging children to notice frosty grass, quiet air, and changing textures. With the right gear, children discover that nature has something to offer in every season.

Food and commitment to sustainability

Warm, nourishing meals, and mindful food practices continue to support our community. We talk with the children about where food comes from, how we care for our environment, and the importance of reducing waste. Sustainability isn’t a one time event, its woven into our everyday choices.

Feeling Thankful

At Nestling House, we know that caring for children is a shared effort. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for our team, families, and community.

To our team: thank you for your calm presence, consistency, and commitment to creating a safe space for everyone who steps into our buildings.

To our families: Thank you for your trust, partnership, and the strong relationships we build together.

To our community: Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us create a space where children and caregivers can thrive.

We are grateful for each one of you!

Thanksgiving Break at Nestling House

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re taking time to reflect on all that we’re grateful for, our wonderful children, supportive families, and the dedicated team that makes Nestling House such a special place to learn and grow.

Both the Howell and Herman Locations will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 29th for the holiday break as our team takes time to rest and celebrate with loved ones. We wish all of our families a peaceful and joy-filled break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, December 1st for more learning, laughter, and cozy winter fun!

Food That Connects Us

Mr. John’s Pasta Primavera

Pasta, spinach, and roasted veggies, in lemon-tarragon dressing. Served with mozzarella chunks and sliced pears.

As we move into the Thanksgiving season, food is on everyone’s mind-not just as something we eat but as something that brings us together. At Nestling House, mealtime is an extension of our philosophy: real, meaningful experiences that nurture connection, independence, and care for environment.

Our in-house chef, Mr. John, prepares meals that are both nourishing and exciting, encouraging children to explore new flavors and textures. Recently, our menu featured favorites like sweet potato black bean casserole, a chickpea twist on butter chicken, and pasta primavera.

At Howell, mornings begin with a wholesome a.m. snack such as banana oat muffins, pineapple with cottage cheese, and breakfast trail mix. Across both centers, children enjoy p.m. snacks that are as fun as they are nutritious- from oatmeal carrot cookies and cranberry raisin Chex mix to the classic ants on a rice cake.

Additionally, at our centers, children are encouraged to serve themselves and take part in setting up and cleaning up, learning that mealtime is a shared responsibility and a community experience. These small acts help foster confidence, a care for others, and a sense of pride.

Food at Nestling House isn’t just about nourishment; it’s about belonging, gratitude, and the joy of sharing good things together.