Even if Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow and predicted an early spring, it still seems like we’re in the thick of winter. Break up the ho-hum of winter with marshmallows.

Make a marshmallow

Have you ever made marshmallows? It will be a bit easier if you have a stand mixer, and they’ll need at least 4 hours to set. Be sure to ask your child how homemade marshmallows are different than store-bought ones. How are they the same? Which do they prefer?

Read about marshmallows

Whether they be animals or the food, reading about marshmallows will help increase your child’s attention span, introduce new worlds, and expand your child’s vocabulary.

Dragons & Marshmallow by Asia Citro introduces readers to scientific methods within the storyline.

Marshmallow by Clare Turlay Newberry won a Caldecott Honor in 1943 and tells how Oliver the cat and Marshmallow the rabbit became friends.

Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with a marshmallow

Marshmallows are a perfect topping to a cup of hot cocoa whether it be homemade or with a mix on a cold winter’s day.

Make a s’more

You can make a s’more any time of the year – over a campfire, in the microwave, and even over the gas range. You can even make s’more brownies and ice cream.

Whether you’re making, eating, drinking, or reading about marshmallows, any or all of these activities are sure to get your child talking and to make some fun memories.

Jann Fujimoto, MS CCC-SLP enjoys her marshmallows toasted on the brink of burnt. As a speech-language pathologist and owner of SpeechWorks, she helps children in Oconomowoc, Dousman, Hartland, and Watertown become confident communicators.

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