TURNING SNOW DAYS INTO SCHOOL DAYS

After reading the newspaper, crumple up sections for a fun and creative art project. Connect sections in a fund design using masking tape.

Alecia thinks Miami, Fla., would be a nice place to live at this time of year. Think of your favorite places or search the newspaper for names of cities and places that interest you. Locate the cities on a map.

Tra-la-la. Music class is as close as the nearest radio for Alecia, who sings along with her favorite tune.

Practice makes perfect. Whether you're reading a book, cereal box or the comics, there's never a bad time to practice your reading skills.

Don't forget P.E. when snow and ice keep you home from school, shoveling walkways is a good way to get some exercise and make your parents and neighbors very happy.

Which will freeze first: Hot water or cole? Place water of different temperatures in cuyps and set them outside. Watch to see which one frezes first in this easy science project.

Learning doesn't stop just because of a little bad weather. Here are some tips to help kids sharpen skills when they have to stay home.

"YES! No school today!."

School cancellations are always exciting for children, who envision fun-filled days playing with toys and watching their favorite television shows. However, many parents and educators bemoan the lost day of classroom instruction.

Michelle Dewrock, a parent educator with the Cape Girardeau Parents As Teachers program, said it is possible to incorporate learning in the home without losing the fun. "Although I work primarily with younger children, there are many games and projects that work for most elementary-school aged children."

Children enjoy learning the most when they don't realize they're doing it, said Dewrock. Reading cereal boxes, playing the popular 'Where's Waldo?' series, and even shoveling walkways are all activities that sharpen skills taught by teachers in the classroom, she said.

"Most times they just want something to do, but if it can be fun and educational, that's even better," she said.

Following are some activities that bring fun and learning together for children of all ages. The projects were tested by Alecia King, 10, a Washington Elementary School student who was one of many students who stayed home last week when bad weather forced school cancellations.

"These were a lot of fun," said King. "I think I liked the shaving cream the best, or the music. I think I would want to do these if I have to stay home from school."