Learning math may be quite boring, but add a snowman (to the equation…haha) and the joy of learning comes to life. Building a snowman is always a generational favorite. So, why not build a snowman indoors while learning basic math skills. Add some music and the fun will never end.
Goals
Eye-hand coordination Target throwing
Counting Learning Arithmetic
Developing fine motor coordination
[1]
Supplies
Snowman
- 3 small white laundry baskets (Dollar Store)
- 1 roll of black crepe streamer (eyes and buttons)
- Orange cone shaped marker or a long carrot taped to the bottom of one of the baskets (nose)
- 2 fallen tree branches (arms)
- Scarf
- Winter hat or a cut out top hat
- 3 separate cards numbered 1, 2, 3
[2]
Snowball
- White yarn (snow balls) or you may want to buy a bucket of “Snowtime Anytime” (picture) http://www.snowtimeanytime.com [3]
- Scissors
Math Supplies
- Equation chart example: (__ + __ = __) Template included
[4]
Snowman Set-Up
- Place the three white baskets next to each other in a straight line.
- Tape the number 3 alongside the snowman’s head, the number 2 alongside the body and the number 1 alongside the base.
- Tape a cut-out top hat or winter hat to the end of the basket representing the snowman’s head.
- Place the orange cone or tape the carrot inside the basket representing the nose of the snowman.
- Wrap the black crepe streamer around the strips of the basket to make its eyes and the buttons.
- Place the scarf around the snowman’s neck (between the head and body)
- Place the branches (arms) between the strips of the body of the snowman so that it stays in place.
- Refer to picture for the finished product.
[5]
How To Make the Snowballs
- Begin by wrapping the white yarn around the non-dominant hand/fingers (not including the thumb) approximately 100 times.
- Remove the yarn carefully so it doesn’t come apart.
- Cut a 1 foot long piece of yarn and wrap it around the middle of
the gathered yarn. It will look like the number 8. - Tie the piece of yarn tightly to keep the gathered yarn from coming apart
- Take your scissors and cut through all the loops as evenly as possible.
- Trim around it and fluff it up. Enjoy tossing them.
- Refer to video
Directions:
1 on.
What is Being Learned
· Basic math and writing skills
· Eye-hand coordination skills are developed
· Developing their fine motor coordination when making the snowballs.
· Instilling their creativity as they create their own snowman.
Variations
· Change the math function from addition to subtraction, multiplication, or division
· Play with others and add up the score to see who reaches 100 points first.
Modifications
- If a child is not able to write, use cut out numbers to place on the lines of the equation.
- If a child doesn’t recognize numbers, ask the child to count popsicle sticks and place them on each line of the equation. Add the sticks after tossing both snowballs into the baskets.
- If the child can’t stand for a long period of time, they may want to sit in a chair while they are tossing the snowballs.
·
Elizabeth O’Hara Bio
Owner of Gymsters, a physical education program for all children with a concentration on early childhood and the special needs population.
Executive Board Member to plan the construction of our local all-inclusive playground, Adapted Physical Education Teacher, tutor and volleyball coach.
·Mother of 3 beautiful children, a grandmother of 3 precious toddlers and married to a loving husband, Dave. Available for consultation. Email: [email protected] [6]
https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/let-it-snow-4-indoor-activities-with-homemade-snow/
https://www.parentingspecialneeds.org/article/the-polar-express/
More Fun Activities
- Let Is Snow! 4 Indoor Activities with Homemade Snow [7]
- The Polar Express [8]
- Jingle All the Way [9]
- Holidays & HoliDeals! Gift Selections for Those That Are Special to You! [10]
- Top 5 Children’s Museums That Are Fun for Everyone! [11]
- A to Zoo Accessibility at KidZooU Hamilton Family Children’s Zoo & Faris Family Education Center [12]
- 10 Places That Offer Special Days for Special Needs [13]
- 4 Tips for Managing Parties and Social Gatherings this Summer [14]
- It’s Fall: Sneak in a Little Outdoor Fun Together With Your Kids [15]
- Free Access Pass to America the Beautiful [16]
This post originally appeared on our January/February 2021 Magazine [17]