Make a Windsock Inspired by “Donkey Hodie”

By Fred Rogers Productions

Mar 9, 2023

30 min activity

When Donkey Hodie surprises Clyde the Cloud with a playdate in the sky, the two wonder how they can play together since they're so different. Then they realize they can use their differences to find new kinds of fun. Using flexible thinking, they combine some of their individual favorite things into new games like floating tag and ring-around-the-rainbow. Donkey and Clyde discover that differences are good because we can learn new things and have fun in new ways when we have friends who are different from us.

Materials

Directions

Roll the posterboard or repurposed cardboard into a cylinder. Tape it in place to form the top of the windsock. A repurposed manila folder also works as an excellent windsock top!

Decorate the windsock top with markers, crayons, or other art supplies. You might consider making a top inspired by Clyde the Cloud.

To make Clyde the Cloud, help your child and their friends outline a cloud shape with a marker. For added hee-hawesome fun, you can tape a cotton ball as a nose and more balls around the cloud.

You may need to lend a hand as children add Clyde the Cloud's eyes, hands, smile, and hat. As children are building their windsocks, you can continue the conversation about similarities and differences and share ideas about what makes each windsock unique. Remember, it might take time and encouragement to foster new peer interactions. Celebrate the effort as you build these social skills at the most comfortable pace for each child.

Cut out Clyde and securely tape him to the windsock. Next, cut streamers into roughly 2-foot long pieces. No streamers? No problem. Have children use flexible thinking to brainstorm other materials such as strips of tissue paper or wrapping paper, string, or ribbon. Maybe each child could use different materials!

Tape the streamers onto the inside of the cylinder at the bottom.

Find an outdoor space to hang your windsock like a neighborhood tree, house mailbox, or front stoop, and attach it with a string and tape. Enjoy watching it billow on a breezy day, and take time to admire the differences between windsocks and celebrate how those differences are good!