Toy expert showcases ways to help enjoy the solar eclipse with kids

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A total solar eclipse is happening in parts of the nation next month, and even if the view is not perfect in our neck of the woods, it is a perfect opportunity to have some fun while teaching children about the phenomenon.

Marianne Szymanski, Founder and President of Toy Tips, joined us on Monday, March 11 to talk about some of the fun kids can have while preparing to learn about the solar eclipse. From snacks, DIY solar eclipse glasses and more.

Learn more about Toy Tips by clicking here and by reading the following tips from Szymanski:

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and blocks the entirety of sun. According to NASA, there won't be another total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.

In Wisconsin, we are not in view of the solar eclipse totality but there is still reason to celebrate these moments of time and teach children about this scientific event. You can still hold a “celebration watch party” in a non-region of the Solar Eclipse path. You can still have fun celebrating and then check the news for a recap to explain the whole experience from a live viewing.

Here are Toy Tips ideas on how to put together a Solar Eclipse celebration at home or in the classroom.

Snacks:

Plan a Grocery Store Haul "Scavenger hunt style” to fill up a snack box: A visit to the local grocery store can turn into a family scavenger hunt (stay together) as you walk each aisle and choose things that can make for a great snack box. Can you cut cheese into shapes of the moon or find croissants that could be turned and trimmed to look like a crescent of the sun? Be creative and create a special memorable snack box special for Monday, April 8.

Crafts:

There are plenty of crafts with step-by-step instructions you can find on You Tube and Pinterest. These are easy to complete and a fun family project with teachable moments. Get our your craft paper and tape but parents need to be on hand to help punch a pinhole in these:

- White Paper Pinhole Projectors

- Cereal box Pinhole Projectors

Dress Up:

Wear yellow white and black that day. Be creative and show off what you know about the moon, the sun and the eclipse. Put an outfit together that celebrates this historic moment in time.

Educate Using other learning tools:

Follow the trail on a map or globe;

Use a Clock to teach the importance of being on time. The Solar Eclipse in Totality will last less than 5 minutes. The importance of time and timing is a life skill and this is one great reason to show children and teach them why exact time is important.

Sing:

Think of songs with lyrics that include “sun" and “moon” from all decades. This is a fun intergenerational family activity that promotes social interaction, thinking skills and music.

Travel:

I visited Rochester, N.Y. one location of totality. Book hotels now because many hotels and campgrounds are having special rates and packages for eclipse visitors. Since this is only about a three-hour time frame to plan for on Monday, April 8, look for a city that offers other family related activities and locations to visit the weekend prior to the Eclipse. If you are planning family travel, Rochester is a city filled with other fun activities for children. The Strong Museum is a toy museum that holds the world’s largest collection of toys from multi-generations, and I spent 7 hours there! There is that much to do.

If you are traveling to view the Solar Eclipse live, it is necessary to properly protect your eyes. Purchase the Eclipse glasses or use a a solar viewing device. Eclipse glasses made of black polymer which is flexible resin is infused with carbon and blocks UV rays and light. Also, wear sunscreen on your face and lip balm and be sure to document or journal your experience.

Celebrate these moments in time and remember these tips:

- If are in an area watching live, remember to only remove eclipse glasses when all is black;

- Don’t look at the sun directly because that can cause permanent damage;

- If clouds are out you won’t be able to see the eclipse but you still had great time preparing for the experience and learned about the science of the sun and moon.