Teaching The Theme of Snow To The Preschool Classroom
Posted: Thursday, January 07, 2010
by Stephany Springer
What kid doesn't like snow? What adult doesn't like snow? This theme allows you the teacher to transform into a kid and really spend some time playing with the kids. Don't worry-the kids will still learn a lot about the winter season!
Here are some snow-rific ideas to add to your centers in the classroom.
Art
Let me just say that there are so many endless possibilities with this theme when it comes to art that you could be here for two days reading ideas. I have tried to only include the projects I have loved the most doing over the years with the kids.
Make a snowflake-We all remember doing this in school. This allows the preschoolers to work on their cutting skills and because they all look so different, it offers a fun twist on normal art time.
Glitter-Preschoolers love glitter and it lets them pretend to drop real snow. I help the kids place glue on a blue or black construction paper. Then we take handfuls of silver or white glitter and drop on the paper. The kids love watching it fall to the page. I have also made snow globes by using old baby food jars filled with water and dropping the glitter in the jar. You have to use hot glue for the lids and sometimes you can find little snowmen at Hobby Lobby.
Snack Art-This art project is fun to mix with snack time. You can glue marshmallows or popcorn to make a snow scene. You can also make a snowman out of marshmallows by stacking three of the big marshmallows gluing with icing. Kids love that part. Use pretzels for the arms and chocolate chips for the eyes, nose and buttons. You can use red licorice for the scarf and mouth.
Modeling Clay-Allow the kids to mold white modeling clay into balls for a snowman. This project takes creativity. For the rest of the snowman, I used stuff around the house. I used toothpicks for arms, brads for buttons, wiggle eyes for eyes and a Hershey kiss for a hat. I am sure you can come up with better. Anyhow, the kids loved this project.
Drama Center
Winter Dress up is always the obvious for this center. For a twist, make a snowmen out of butcher paper and allow the kids to take turns dressing the snowman. Why not add some variety to this center as well. Place a table covered in shaving cream in the center. Place matchbox cars on the table and allow the kids to pretend they are driving on icy streets. Roll up white tissue paper into balls and allow the kids to have their own snowball fight.
Blocks
Paint your blocks white or wrap them in white gift wrap. Allow the kids to pretend to build igloos. They will love playing with the big blocks of ice. You can also add ice fishing to this center. Place blocks around in a circle a foot high. Then tape white butcher paper or blue saran wrap over to look like a pond. Make a fishing pole out of bamboo sticks and string. Place a magnet at the end. Place fish inside with magnets on them as well.
Sensory table
Why not play with snow in the sensory table. Check out stevespanglerscience.com. The man is a genius. He sells fake snow as well as has endless videos to gain ideas for using the snow and teaching the kids science in the process.
Story Time
Winter Woes is a book I just discovered. The author, Marty Kelley will have your preschoolers cracking up at the little boys misfortune. I love it because it reminds me of my over-dramatic son so much! Other fun books is Snowballs by Lois Ehlert, All You Need For A Snowman by Alice Shertle and The Jacket I Wear In The Snow by Shirley Neitzel.
Music Time
Make sure you have some pretend snow to throw up during the songs or to allow the kids to throw up. It can be something as simple as cotton balls.
(To the tune of Ring Around the Rosie) Winter Winter Wonderland, Pockets Full of Mittens, Snowflakes, Snowflakes; We All Fall Down!
Song: (sung to tune of "Are You Sleeping") "It is snowing, it is snowing, On my head, on my head; I need a hat, I need a hat, On my head, on my head" (make sure you have hats for the kids)
Snowflake Song (Tune: I'm a Little Teapot) I'm a little snowflake, fat and round; Falling softly to the ground. When enough of me falls hear me shout, "Here's a snowball, better watch out!" (pretend to throw a snowball)
I get so excited about this theme because the kids love playing in the snow. I hope you enjoy it as well. Feel free to leave any activities or ideas that you love in the comment section below.
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