IT'S SNOWING SOME WHERE --- BUT NOT BY YOU???

You don't live in a snow-belt? Create your own arctic blast with movies and activities where you can pretend the world is your snow globe.

PLAN A SNOW THEMED DAY... 
     • Watch a movie that splashes snow across the screen: Snow Dogs, The Gold Rush, March of the Penguins, Groundhog Day (If kids are older)...Or any of the Disney Type snow movies...
 
     • Read snow-themed stories to the kids such as Mr. Popper's Penguins, The Snowy Day, The Snow Queen, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs or The Snow Geese: A Story of Home.

     • Buy some fake snow to pile on a table so kids can create wintry scenes with tree branches, play figurines, and miniature houses.
 
     • Turn up the air conditioner and make some hot cider or cocoa to drink while decorating cookies with a winter theme. Read about Hot Cocoa Party Idea here!
 
     • Play a game such as in the WINTER GAME CATEGORY...or some of the winter activities from this site!

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BRING THE SNOW INSIDE!

  • When you have a lot of snow and it's too cold to play outside, have the children help you fill large tubs with new snow and carry it in!

  • Fill your sensory table, large tubs, or a sink with the snow. The children can use gloves to play in it.

  • Variations include filling the empty sand table or other large containers with snow and then ADDING pre-made colored ice-cubes of different sizes.

  • So the children won't soil their own mittens, collect old mittens for them to wear while they play with the snow and the melting colored ice.

  • Another idea is to use water color sets and have the children use them in the tubs of snow. As the snow is painted the colors will blend!

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When working with younger children and using a sensory table try this fun idea for a winter theme! FREEZE SMALL TOYS  IN ICE-CUBE TRAYS, and in various size containers; place them in the sensory table. Give the children plastic and wood mallets and have them chip away the ice to find out what is inside! Great fun and they'll be sure to rush to you to show you their "prizes"!

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DRIVING ON ICE
(This could be a winter science activity for young; however, the novelty of playing with cars on indoor ice is fun for many ages!)

Directions:
Fill three jellyroll pans with water and freeze.
Gather small match-box cars. You'll also  need spoons, salt and sand.

Have children try to drive the cars over the ice.

What Happens?
 
Spoon salt over one sheet of ice and sand over another.

     • What happens when the children try to drive the cars over these surfaces? 
     • What implications can be drawn for driving on ice?

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THE GOOD ELF! (A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS ACTIVITY)

1. Challenge children to do random acts of kindness for others for one day.
2. Advertise, post info, and make a big deal about the day!.
3. Tell youth that they are not to reveal that they have done these nice things and if someone should ask them, "did you put away the dishes...or games..or whatever..."? They reply, "Must have been a good elf".

This activity helps children realize we don't always have to be recognized when we do something for someone else. If playing with preschoolers or kindergarteners, you may want to send a note home explaining how parents can help.
I can't remember where I first saw this, but we do it every year! Cassie/Mi.

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HAVE A WINTER PICNIC!
 
This is a good idea for a full day program. Take lunch and blankets to a room where you usually don't eat. Play a Nature-Sounds or Winter Music CD.

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A SNOW DAY IN FLORIDA!

Living in Florida the children do not get to see snow. In our class though, snow arrives in January via potato flakes.

We suspend a tarp from the ceiling filled will potato flake (25 pounds.) As the teacher is telling the snowman story which she draws on the chalkboard, I slice the tarp at the appropriate time and it snows on the children. They each receive their own pail & shovel. Each child is dressed like a snowman by wearing white Glad garbage bags with the red draw string. The kids wear their gloves and hats and we turn the air conditioning on as low as we can. They have a ball! (A clever idea posted at  perpetualpreschool.com) 

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 CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKES
1.  Cut a white pipe cleaner into 3 equal sections and twist it together to make a six-sided flake.
2.  Tie a string from point to point to form the pattern.
3.  Also, tie a piece to the top of one of the pipe cleaners and tie the other end to a pencil (This is for the snowflake to hang from)
4.  Fill a wide mouth jar, cup or glass with boiling water.
5.  Mix in Borax one tablespoon at a time (3 Tablespoons per cup of water) and stir it until it’s dissolved. (It’s alright if there is some settling.)
6.   If desired, add a little blue food coloring at this point to tint the snow flake.

Totally immerse the snowflake in your solution. Rest the pencil on the top of the container letting the flake suspend freely in the solution. Wait overnight and the next day the children will have a snowflake covered with tiny crystals.

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If you've spent some time on this site---you've seen the Hokey-Poky adapted to many seasons and themes.
Here is the "WINTER POKEY"!

Put on the children's winter clothing and do the
WINTER HOKEY POKEY DANCE...
 
Verses are:
1. You put your mitten in, you take your mitten out
2. You put your boots in, you take your boots out
3. You put your coat in, you put your coat out
4. You put your hat in, you put your hat out
5. You put your scarf in, you put your scarf out
..........And that what it's all about!

Tip! This would make a great transition game before you leave for outside!

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FAT KEEPS ANIMALS WARM! (Young Children's Science Idea)

1. Fill a bucket with ice water and have the children stick their hands in it. They'll see that it is cold.
 
2. Put shortening (Like Crisco) in a plastic bag.

3. Place the shortening bag into another bag so that the children's hands don't actually touch the Crisco.
 
4. Have the children put their hand in the bag and stick it back in the ice water. It won't be cold because the Crisco serves as a layer of fat.
 
5. Talk about how the fat layer keeps animals -such as polar bears warm

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FOOT PRINTS IN THE SNOW (A fun decorating idea)

  • Cut several of each child's foot shape out of black construction paper. 
  • Place white butcher paper on the floor and have children attach their foot shapes to make "footprints" on the white paper "snow". 
  • Leave "snow" attached to the floor for a path--or put up on wall and onto the ceiling!

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FOOD FUN!

FROZEN KOOL-AID

Give each child a gallon Zip-Loc bag filled with crushed ice. Then give them liquid Kool-Aid in a smaller bag. Add ice crème salt to the gallon bag and put the smaller bag in it. Zip up the large bag. Mush arount the small bag... the Kool-Aid will freeze quickly.
When removing--be sure not to get any salt as you take out the frozen kool-aid.

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MAKE SNOWFLAKES TO EAT!

Ingredients: 
  • Flour Tortillas 
  • Oil 
  • Powdered sugar
Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave so you can fold them. Next fold the tortilla into half, then half again. Cut out designs just like you were making a paper snowflake.
Put a small amount of oil into a skillet. Fry the tortilla until crisp. About 30 seconds on each side. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

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SNOW CANDY #1 Ingredients:
2 cups of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup water.
Bring water with other ingredients to a rolling boil.(boil for about 10 minutes)

Have children make a smooth place in clean snow - pour the snow candy on it. You can pour in any desired design or pictures. Don't touch until it has cooled.

If snow on the ground bothers you---scoop up some clean snow and place it in a bowl or dish---you can also take the snow inside and make your candy there!

SNOW CANDY #2
If you use real Maple Syrup and boil it the same way, you get an all natural treat that doesn't require any measuring or mixing of ingredients. Fans of Laura Ingall Wilder may remember the author’s vivid descriptions of this candy: It is warm, buttery in flavor, gooey, and delicious when eaten outside while making a snow fort with your daddy.

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IGLOO BLOCKS (OUTSIDE POPSICLE STICKS)

A fun activity during winter. Have children pick their favorite drink (fruit punch, apple juice, etc) and then pour this into an ice cube tray. Have kids write their name on a popsicle stick and place it in the tray. Last, put this outside and let it freeze (if it is not cold enough you can put it in the freezer) The children then have an igloo block for snack.

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FOR THE ANIMALS!

A TREE FOR THE ANIMALS

Decorate a tree in the woods or around you program property for the animals. Use fruit, vegetables, nuts and peanut butter on pinecones so the animals will have food to eat when it gets colder.

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WINTER NECKLACE AND ANIMAL FEEDER

You'll need:
Large needle
String or fishing line
Popped corn
Dried fruit; raisins, cranberries, apple and apricot
Pieces of orange peel (optional )

How to Make It:
Measure the length of line that you need to fit the necklace over a child's head. Don't forget to leave enough for tying off. Thread the needle and string the popcorn and other items alternately.
Children can wear their necklace for a while and then hang the necklace onto a tree or shrub for the local wildlife.

Tip: The orange peel adds a very pleasant scent. Put a bit of all natural peanut butter on the necklace before placing it outside. The oils and protein are great for the birds!

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OUTDOOOR CREATURE POPCORN WREATH

Cardboard wreaths
Peanut butter
Birdseed
Popcorn

Cut wreath shapes out of cardboard. Give each child a wreath and a plastic knife to spread peanut butter over the wreath shape. Put birdseed over the peanut butter covered wreath. Use spots of peanut butter to "glue" pieces of popcorn onto the wreath in a bow shape. Hang the wreaths outside where they will be seen---good for birds and other outdoor creatures... 

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FEEDER Materials: Lard, String, Pine cone, Birdseed
Tie a piece of string around the widest part of the cone.
Mix the lard and seed together, then press the mixture into the branches of the cone.
Use the string to tie the cone up in a tree pr bush for the birds to enjoy.

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FEED AND OSERVE WINTER BIRDS

What you need: An empty plastic milk or water bottle, or a milk carton, scissors, string, bird seed

(1) Wash the bottle or carton and rinse it well. Cut several small (2-3") holes in the sides, about 2" from the bottom. Cut or poke two small holes near the top and thread a long piece of string through them.
 
(2) Fill the bird feeder with seeds and hang from a tree or shrub. Scattering some seeds on the ground can help the birds find the feeder. Watch the birds. Be patient. Try different types of seeds and different locations. Record your observations.

 There are 14 Bird Feeder Ideas in the Bird Theme! Click Here...

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MEDIEVAL WINTER CELEBRATION from Giraffe Lady in Saginaw, MI.

(Although Giraffe Lady celebrates this as a prelude to Christmas, this would be a great winter celebration theme in general!)

Instead of having yet another generic Christmas party, my students and I have a Medieval celebration. For the two weeks prior to the last day of school before winter break, we build castles out of boxes (and anything else we can find), decorate plastic goblets with jewels, make medieval style hats and brown butcher paper tablecloths that look like wood, and talk about life in the middle ages. (Last year we spent an hour and a half talking about the plague and what silly things people believed to be medicinal.) I even got brave last year and showed them bits and pieces of "Monty Python's Holy Grail" because it depicts the attitudes and customs of the day in a humorous way that (I was somewhat surprised to find) the student related to well.

Then, on the day before we break for Christmas, we have our "feast". We turn off all the lights and use battery-operated candles for light. We lay down the "wooden" tablecloths over the cafeteria tables and put some natural looking garlands down the centers of the tables. The students get a hard roll torn in half as their charger, and we serve them torn up roasted chicken (Meijer's are good, and they're only about $5 each), hunks of cheese, and oranges for dessert. They drink sparkling grape juice from the goblets they've made, and wear their medieval hats. The students get a somewhat healthy meal (or enough to serve as a snack) and they love the novelty of the entire set up.

 The first year we did this, it was supposed to be a week-long project for the 6th-8th grade group. They enjoyed building the castles so much that they spent two weeks on just that! I have done this every year since. 

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HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Winter Inside Fun
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 

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 SUGAR CUBE IGLOO

First talk about how igloos are made and their use.

I've read that you can use either sugar cubes and frosting or ice cubes and salt which helps stick the cubes together ---but the below is one of the most complete methods I've seen. I copied it long ago but don't remember from where...sorry.

Start by laying a base row of sugar cubes around a 7-inch-diameter cardboard circle, leaving space for the entrance. Using a mortar of 2 egg whites mixed with 3 cups confectioners' sugar, add subsequent layers of cubes, one row at a time, decreasing the circumference gradually as you go.

Apply the mortar to the top cubes, not to those already in place. Be sure to work alternately left and right from the entrance toward the back of the igloo and stagger the cubes the way a builder lays bricks.

Build a total of 10 layers, stopping halfway through the construction to let the igloo dry. Make the arch and roof separately, working on a flat surface. When they are dry, glue them in place. Allow the igloo to dry completely, then sprinkle with a blizzard of sugar.
(If you ever do this--would you please comment?)

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BALLOON AND YARN SNOWBALLS

 

Blow up a balloon to a size of a softball; cut about a 2 to 3 foot of white yarn and put it in bowl of Elmer's glue. Take out the yarn and begin wrapping it around balloon. When done wrapping --- sprinkle it with white or silver glitter. Hang the balloon to dry for 24 hrs or till the glue is dry--- then pop the balloon! You have this pretty snowball to hang from your ceiling or on branches.

Sample photos courtesy of  More mom time...

 

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SPARKLING SNOW DOUGH

2 cups water
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 tsp. cream of tartar
4 tsp. oil
iridescent glitter
Combine ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. until mixture thickens and pulls away from sides of pan. Form dough into a ball, place on waxed paper and cool. Knead in glitter. This in the play dough recipes--but good for winter time!

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SCENTED PINE CONES
Scented Pine Cones Materials:
Pine cones, Pine or fir pure essential oil, Lidded container, box or plastic bag, Facial tissue

1. Fill container, box or plastic bag with dry, clean pine cones.
2. Liberally sprinkle tissue with essential oil and add to bag or container.
3. Seal the bag or container and allow oil to penetrate cones for several days before removing (the longer the cones are contained, the stronger the fragrance will be). 

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MITTEN PRINTS
 
Great if you have younger children-but  some of the older may also think this is fun.

Put out old mateless mittens. Place sponges in shallow containers and pour in tempera paint. Have kids put on the mittens and press their hand on the paint-soaked sponges. Place mittens on the paper to make prints. (A little different then traditional hand-print!)

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TOILET PAPER TUBE PRINTS

Take toilet paper tubes and make DIFFERENT length cuts at the end of the tubes. Bend back the ends and flare them out.. Dip the flared edges in white paint. The tube make a great holder!

As each tube is cut differently, you will have a variety of snowflakes! When finished- sprinkle the snowflakes with glitter.
For variety, cut the strips in the cardboard tubes with wavy edged scissors... each snowflake will have different patterns.

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CONSTRUCTION PAPER & TOOTHBRUSH EVERGREEN TREE

Cut an evergreen tree out of green construction paper. Place it inside a box lid to catch the splatter. Dip toothbrush in white paint. Moving the brush above picture, gently rub thumb across tops of bristles to spatter paint. The tree will look like it's been caught in a snowstorm

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DOILEE ART SNOWFLAKE PRINTS 

Place dollies on black or dark colored paper. Sponge paint over the dollies with white paint. When the dollies are removed your pictures will look like snowflakes!

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SNOWFLAKES FROM STYROFOAM BALLS 

Need for one snowball:
Seven toothpicks, 1 inch styrofoam balls, 1/2 liquid starch, 1 cup laundry powder, electric mixer, waxed paper, 24 inch oiecer of string, glitter.

Tie the 24 inch string to one toothpick. Push 6 other toothpicks into the ball in a starburst pattern. Beat the starch and laundry powder to make a stiff paste. Working on the wax paper, dip the "snowflake" into the starch/soap mixture. Sprinkle it with glitter while it is still set. Hang them from the ceiling by the string to dry and display!

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ICY JELL-O OR KOOL-AID ART

Need: Kool-Aid or Jell-O (in powder form), Ice, Paper
Make ice in a Popsicle mold or an ice-cube ray with toothpicks stuck in before frozen. Sprinkle Kool-Aid or Jell-O (powdered Tempera paint ok too) on the paper. Use the ice Popsicle to push the powder around and design.

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CHALK SNOWSCAPES

Materials:
Dark construction paper
White chalk
Winter stencils/template shapes
cotton balls.
 
1.Create some winter stencils and templates in advance.
2.Trace winter shapes onto cardstock or manila folders. Carefully cut shapes out.

3.Place the template on a sheet of dark construction paper---The paper should be at least 2" larger than the stencil or template on all sides.
4. Use chalk to trace around template/stencil.
5. While still holding the stencil firmly in place, gently brush chalk line toward the edges of the paper with a cotton ball.
6. Remove the stencil. The shape will be defined by a crisp line, but surrounded by soft "snowy" shadows.

You can also use snow-scapes to create winter cards.

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TWO MOBILES ON HANGERS...

#1 NIGHT SKY MOBILES
Make moon and star shaped templates for the children to trace and then cut out. (Use a card-stock paper) Decorate the shapes with sliver glitter. Punch a hole in shape-top... and hang individual shapes from the hanger with yarn... at different levels.
 

#2 SNOWFLAKE MOBILES
 
Need lightweight paper for cutting in about 4" x 4 squares, hole punch, scissors, hangers and yarn.

Round the corners of the paper to create a circle. Fold the circle in half....and then in half again....
Create your design with scissors and/or a hold punch. Paste several (about 3) snowflakes down one line of yarn...tie the yarn to the hanger. Do this 3 times. There should be three lines of snow flakes hanging from your mobile.

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PRETZEL SNOWFLAKES 

Take 4 mini pretzels for each snow flake. Pour white paint into a container/baggie/pie tin...Coat the pretzels with the paint and let them dry.
 
When the pretzels are dry,form the snow-flake by gluing the four pretzels to each other. Do this by glueing corners to corners---points to points. We use a hot glue gun. You can also dip the flakes in glitter or craft snow.
When dry... tie on string, yarn or ribbon to hang.

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ART TO GO WITH THE BOOK "DREAM SNOW"

by Eric Carl (Or just a nice idea on its own!)
Materials: 9x12" white paper, sharpies, crayons, watercolors, transparancies, white tempera

First read Eric Carle's Dream Snow and then draw a winter scene.
After coloring and painting the picture, tape a transparancy to the front.
Paint snow on the transparancy to "hide" the figures, much like Eric Carle did! Art by a student of Michal Austin

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 IDEA #1:  MAKE WINTER TREES by glueing plain white rice on a drawn tree with branches for snow...

IDEA#2:  IN YOUR WINTER OPEN ART CENTER...
Add lots of white materials, such as doilies, cotton balls, coffee filters, dried beans, felt, yarn, Styrofoam and tissue paper for interesting texture collages.

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Q-TIP SNOWFLAKES

On some wax paper -- have children position the Q-tips end to end. Take glue and put it where the Q-tips meet. When dry remove them from wax paper and suspend from the ceiling.

 ANOTHER way to do this is to squeeze a puddle of glue into the middle of a sheet of wax paper. Give the children several Q-tips cut in half (or whole) and then position them around the glue blob. If using half a Q-tip- be sure the swab end is sticking out so it looks like a snowflake.

Insert a loop of string in the glue puddle for a holder. Children can sprinkle glitter onto the glue. The snow-flakes will need a couple of days to dry; then peel them off the waxed paper! (This would also be a nice gift) Photo courtesy of Busy Bee Crafts

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PAPER SNOWFLAKES IN GENERAL...

Materials:
Piece of white paper
Scissors
Instructions:
1. Start with a square sheet of white paper. Fold paper in half diagonally, forming a triangle.
2. Fold paper in half diagonally again.
3. Hold paper so triangle base is at bottom. Fold paper into thirds from the center point. The resulting shape should resemble a piece of pie.
4. Using scissors, cut off excess at the bottom part of the pie shape to reveal a small triangle.
5. Cut small shapes around the outside of the triangle, using designs of your choice.
6. Unfold paper to reveal your snowflake.

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COFFEE FILTER SNOWFLAKES

Fold the filters and then cut out designs and then unfold. Easy! Hang about the room. (Photo from Just for Fun)

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DIP AND DYE SNOWFLAKES

Materials:
Cone or square-shaped coffee filters (or paper towels cut in circles or squares), Scissors, Small bowls of dye (diluted food coloring or strong tempera paint)

Directions:
Fold coffee filters or paper-towel circles or squares in half, quarters, thirds, and so on.
Dip them into a bowl of dye, blot, open up, and let dry.
When dry, fold again and make snowflakes by cutting small shapes along the folded edges.

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SNOWFLAKES FROM PAPER BAKING CUP LINERS (For young children)

Flatten cupcake baking liners and fold them in fourths. Have children cut notches along the folds. Unfolded they'll have snowflakes with different designs.

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MARSHMALLOW SCULPTURES

 

Materials:
Mini and Large Marshmallows
Toothpicks or pretzels
Create sculptures by using toothpicks or pretzels to hold sculpture in place. Let marshmallows dry and get hard before moving around.

You'll notice that young children's sculptures will be longer and flat. The older the child, the taller and more intricate the building will get.

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MAKE SNOW SCENES

Whip Ivory Snow powder with water until the mixture is soft and fluffy.
Have  children finger-paint with the soap mixture on sheets of heavy white paper or tag board.
While the mixture is still wet, have kids add Styrofoam packing pieces for snowflakes and cotton balls for clouds.
Sprinkle on silver glitter to add sparkle to the snow scenes.

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COLD WEATHER BODY TRACING. If you're tracing around children's bodies this winter---add details of mittens, scarves, boots and hats!

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STAINED GLASS

Have children use a mixture of black tempera paint and white glue to squeeze designs onto thin white paper--such a rice paper. When the glue has dried have children paint their paper with watercolors (inbetween the black).

With a hole punch, attach a fish line or string and hang the paper in the window for the light to shine through.

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LIFE SAVER CANDY SNOWFLAKES

Glue together popsicle sticks in a snow-shape pattern. Glue on white minty lifesavers to the sticks. Add glitter to all and hang them from the ceiling.

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PASTA SNOWFLAKES

Need: Wheel shaped pasta, White paint, White glitter, Dry Tapioca pudding mix, Paint brushes, Elmer's glue

Take round wheel shaped pasta and glue them together in a circle shape. When dry--paint the entire snow flake white. Before the paint dries sprinkle on glitter mixed with dry Tapioca pudding mix.
To hang from the ceiling, insert a piece of string or yarn through one of the wheel holes after the snow flake is dry.

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WINTER MAGIC WANDS

Materials: tubing any diameter (home depot plumbing dept), plastic end caps (home depot), water, corn syrup, baby oil, glitter/sequins, beads,
food coloring, hot glue

Fill an end cap with hot glue and push it onto the end of a tube (cut to the length you would like) Let dry. Fill 1/2 with water and 1/2 with corn syrup or baby oil as above. Add food coloring or sequins/beads etc. Fill another end cap with hot glue and press onto the top of tube, let dry.

Uses:
They are soft and flexible! Show the children how to turn them upside down and watch the water move. If you have younger children...they can wear them as necklaces, or pull them around like snakes.
Held up to the sunlight they are dazzling. Put different colored wands over each other and watch the "new color". Source: Unknown, Cassie/Mi.

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SNOWFLAKE PICTURES
Fold a circle of paper in half, then half again. Snip out
shapes and open out. Clip the snowflake on top of another sheet of paper and fill in the shapes by patting with a paint-soaked sponge or rag. Allow to dry, and then remove the snowflake to reveal the pattern.

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COCONUT SNOWMAN
Place glue on a piece of paper in the shape of a snowman.
Have the children add coconut to the paper.
Use raisins for the eyes and buttons.

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TWO SNOW GLOBES

SNOW GLOBES OR PAPER WEIGHTS ...Version #1

1. Either supply the group  or have children bring in an empty jar such as baby food, jelly, pickle, etc. Any small, clear jar with a screw-top lid will work.
 
2. Cut a piece of felt or construction paper the size of the jar lid and glue it in place to the top of the jar lid.
Fill the jars within 1/2 inch of jar top with a mixture of 1/3 light corn syrup and 2/3 warm water. Use popsicle sticks to stir until it's mixed.
 
3. Add about 1/2 tsp. (or more depending on size of jar) of glitter --any color of child's choice will do--also add a few snowflake-shaped sequins.

4. After screwing the tops on tightly have an adult hot-glue the lids on the jars so there is no leaking.

Tips: Using a mixture of water with corn syrup "thickens" the liquid and keeps the glitter in suspension longer.
Don't use white glue to seal the lids. It's water-soluble and will turn the water cloudy.

You can also use a non-water soluble glue such as rubber silicone to glue a figure or seasonal item to the inside of the lid.
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SNOW GLOBE #2

Idea origianally from Martha Stewart
You will need:
A jar with a secure lid, Super glue, Glitter, Decorations for the inside of the snow globe, Glycerin (optional)

1.  Jar selection is important; choose one that has a large enough base and is tall enough for the diorama you want to create; make sure that the glass is clear enough to see though.

2. Assemble your diorama on the inside of the jar lid, and when you're happy with how it's going to look, use super glue to stick all your pieces down to the lid. Let this dry according to the instructions for the glue you're using.

3. Fill the jar almost to the top with water and add some glitter. If you've got some glycerin handy, add some, as it will make the glitter fall more slowly. Then carefully turn your lid upside down and immerse the diorama in the water. Make sure you fasten the lid securely, and turn the whole thing upside down. Shake repeatedly!

4. Good Idea! We decided to use a thin piece of lego as the base that we glued onto the inside of the jar lid; this means that when we get bored of watching a polar bear in a snow storm, we can easily take him off the base and add some other pieces of lego to make a completely new scene for our snow globe. Cassie/Mi 

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PINE TREE BRANCH ART

Materials:
Small pine tree branches, green paint, white construction paper, red ribbon and glitter

Put paint onto a small pine tree branch.
Press the branch onto a piece of white construction paper.
Press again in another spot or re-paint the branch before pressing again.
Usually, several pressings can be made onto one paper.
Sprinkle some glitter sparingly onto branch painting.
Tie a red ribbon into a small bow and glue onto the painting when dry.
Try experimenting with different color combinations to see what turns up! By H. Williams in KinderArt.com 

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 WINTER SNOW RECIPE FOR PAINTING

Ingredients: Soap flakes (such as Ivory, water, liquid starch, and white powdered tempera.

   • With a hand beater-mix soap flakes with water into a thick paste. 
   • Add a small amount of liquid starch and tempera.
   • Designs are made by painting with this mixture. 

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SALT CARDS

Need: Holiday cards with 'Winter Scenes', glue, salt

Paint the snowy area with glue and then sprinkle it with salt. It will look sparkly with the glue is dry!

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MAKE A SNOWMAN FROM A FOOT

Paint a child's foot white.
Press the foot onto a piece of blue paper.
When dry add eyes, nose and mouth to the head (heel of the foot) and other features.

You can also trace a shoe and paint or color it in to look like a snowman.

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JINGLE BELL WIND CHIMES
Materials for each chime:
Unsharpened Pencil
10 Bells
Yarn
1. Cut 12 pieces of yarn.
2. On 10 pieces of yarn tie a bell at the end of each one.
3. Tie a plain piece of string on EACH end of the pencil for hanging.Tie them together at top.
4. In-between the end strings, tie the yarns with bells on them onto the pencil.

HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

Looking for inside acitivities? Be sure to visit  Random Winter Ideas!!!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Random Winter Ideas
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 

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SNOWMAN BOWLING

Fill two liter pop bottles with some sand; paint them white and add a snowman face! The children then row a ball at the snowmen and try to knock them down (You can play this seasonal game from first snowfall to last)

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FROSTY THE SNOWMAN

(Team game good for a party)
Supplies:
A roll of toilet paper for each team.
Sheet of orange, black, red and yellow construction paper for each team.
Hat for each team
Scissors for each team.
To Play:
Have several teams of four or five children. When you say, "GO" they should wrap one of the people on their team up in toilet paper (leaving an opening for nose and eyes). Once they've built their "Frosty" they can utilize the hat and construction paper to decorate him. Put a time limit on decorating. Give a prize for the first completed Frosty, most unique Frosty, ugliest Frosty, cutest Frosty, Biggest, Smallest, etc.
Source: kaboose.com

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OUTSIDE SNOWMAN HAT TRICK

Build a plump, snowman in the yard/play field. Make a game of taking turns trying to land a hat on his head by throwing it Frisbee style from 10 (or age-appropriate) feet away.

 

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SNOWBALL TOSS GAME
Cut out two large circles in a large piece of cardboard; make it the shape of the bottom of a snowman. Next draw a snowman head on the top…
Give the children white beanbags, white socks balled up, or white paper crumpled into balls to represent snowballs. These are thrown at the snowman target.
You can assign points to the circles.

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PUT THE NOSE ON THE SNOWMAN...
Draw a very large 3-circled Snowman...
Attach it to a wall or door. Draw on his features and put a small black cross where his nose should go.
Cut out carrot-shaped noses from orange card stock ...When about to play, attach a piece tape to the back side of the nose.
Blindfold children and proceed as playing "Pin the Tail on the Donkey". You can also play Put the Top Hat on Frosty!

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FOUR QUICK IDEAS…

   • Ball up a white sock of white paper and Play “MELTING SNOWBALL” like Hot Potato

   • With musical games play the Frosty the Snowman song...lyrics here...

   • Instead of "Simon Says..." play FROSTY SAYS..." or The SNOWMAN SAYS

   •  MELTING...Have children pretend they are snowmen that are melting.

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SNOWMAN-SNOWMAN WHERE'S YOUR NOSE?
(Played like "Doggie Doggie, Where's Your Bone?")

1. Children sit in a circle.
2. One child is chosen to be the snowman. With eyes covered, that child can sit or stand in the center of the circle.
3.Give a small carrot or an orange carrot shaped pattern to one child.
4. Have the child hide the carrot behind their back. All other children also have their hands behind their backs.
5. All children chant:

Snowman, Snowman, Where's Your Nose?
Somebody took it from your home.
Upstairs, Downstairs, by the phone...
Wake up Snowman, Find your Nose.

6. The child in the center now uncovers their eyes and  guesses which child they think has the snowman's nose. The 'snowman' gets up to three guesses.
7. The child who is holding the snowman's nose, now becomes the new snowman in the middle!  

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 STUFF A SNOWMAN
Need:
Balloons-Amount depending on the number of groups you will be having)
Extra large white sweat suit or a large white T-shirt.

1. Inflate balloons in advance.
2. Divide kids into teams of equal number of players.  Have one of the group put on the suit or tee shirt over their clothes.
3. Teammates are given the task of stuffing the suit with balloons. 4. Set a timer for two minutes and see how many balloons the team can stuff into the outfit before the time is up.
5. The next team of Snowman stuffers tries to top the previous record.

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'DRESS LIKE A SNOWMAN' RELAY

1. Put together 2 boxes of items that a snowman would wear.  Be sure to include scarves, hats, gloves/mittens, boots, large buttons with double sided tape on the back and brooms.
 
2. Make a carrot nose using orange felt and elastic so the kids can put it around their heads over their own noses.

3. Divide the children into two groups with each forming a line.
 
4. Have each player run to the box; put on the snowman clothing and hold the broom.

5. After putting on all the clothing - kids must perform a quick snowman shuffle...take everything off and run back to tag the next person

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HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE "SNOWMAN" & WINTER PAGES!

•  Snowman Themed Games (This one)
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Random Winter Ideas
• Winter Arts and Crafts

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PAPER PLATE SNOWMAN Simple Craft...

Materials:
2 white paper plates
Construction paper (black, red) or wrapping paper
An orange pipe cleaner (for the nose)
A short length of yarn or ribbon
Hole punch
Marker or crayons
Scissors
Glue
Optional: Googly eyes, large buttons

• Glue the two plates together to make your basic snowman.
• Use can the round stickers as pebbles for the eyes, mouth and buttons or decorate as above with pipe cleaner.
• From the scraps of card stock-- cut two twig arms, mittens, a carrot nose and a scarf. Glue these to your snowman. Add a hat and he's done!

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SNOWMAN DECORATION

• On one of the paper plates, cut off the outer rim, making a smaller plate.
• Punch a hole near the rim on both plates. Tie the two plates together, using the yarn (or ribbon).
• On black construction paper, draw and then cut out a top hat and two boots.
• On colored construction paper (or gift wrap paper), draw and then cut out two mittens.
• Glue the hat, boots and mittens on the snowman. Either glue on googly eyes or draw eyes.Draw a mouth.
• For the nose, cut a short length from an orange pipe cleaner. Stick the pipe cleaner through the plate to secure it (if the plate is too thick, make a tiny hole with the tip of the scissors).
• For the buttons you can cut out shapes from construction paper, use round stickers, glue on real buttons, or simply draw them. Source: littleexplorers.com

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NON-SNOW SNOWMAN
Fun with packing peanuts----Snowman and Igloos
Some packing peanuts are great for building because they have a cornstarch base.
Have children build a snowman by moistening the peanuts and sticking them together. Add eyes, nose, etc. for character out of whatever bits you have around!

I read how one program puts them outside on the playground when it rains. It may take a few days, but it will dissolve! Also, use the peanuts to build igloos and other projects. I keep a big container in the open art area! Sara/Oakbrook

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SOCK SNOWMAN  Stuff clean white socks with dried beans, peas, coffee beans, or small rocks rubber banding off sections as you fill them. Finish the tops by rubber banding it shut.
Glue with hot glue; glue on the toe of a colored sock for a hat, turning up the edge.
Decorate with markers; glue on buttons for eyes; cloves for buttons...

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COCONUT SNOWMAN
Place glue on a piece of paper in the shape of a snowman.
Have the children add coconut to the paper.
Use raisins for the eyes and buttons.

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WHITE PLASTIC SPOON SNOWMAN

(A 1-2-3 activity)

You need:
White plastic spoon (round part is the face)
Scrap of orange craft foam, felt or card stock
Scrap of black craft foam, felt or card stock
Felt or ribbon for a scarf
Black beads or stickers
Marker pen
White glue that will attach to plastic
Instructions:
Cut the appropriate nose and hat shapes out of your scraps. Using tiny dabs of white glue, attach the features carefully. Use a marker pen to draw a mouth.

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SOAPY SNOWMAN Using a grater, grate soap such as Ivory. Add a couple tablespoons of water and mix into a ball using hands.
Take the soap out of the bowl and separate it into three sections- one small, one medium, and one large. Roll each section into a ball and stack the balls to form a snowman. If necessary, rub a little water on the soap where you are joining the pieces.  This will help it stick.
Add eyes and a nose using spices. You can use toothpicks for the arms and fabric for a scarf.

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IDEA: CARVE SNOWMEN out of a bar of Ivory soap…

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SNOWMAN FINGERS

Isn't this Cute! For young children but cute anyway!   Sample Photo Courtesy of Cere Child Care and Pre-School

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SPONGE PAINTED SNOWMEN
Materials:
Sponge circles cut in a variety of sizes
Washable paint
Thinned washable white paint
Paintbrushes
Dark construction paper
Preparation: Cut various-sized circles out of sponges.
Time: 15-30 minutes
Directions:
Choose a large, medium, and small sponge. Dip the large sponge into thinned white paint. Do not get too much paint on sponge! Stamp largest shaped on bottom of page. Stamp medium circle above it, and small above that…., to create snowman shape. Paint features and other accents on with a paintbrush.

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COTTON BALL SNOWMAN
Need:
Cotton balls
Clear contact paper
Construction paper
Scissors
Stapler

• Cut three circles from clear contact paper. The circles should be in three different sizes ranging from a diameter of 1 1/2 - 2 inches to 4 1/2 - 5 inches.
• Staple the contact paper, backing side up, to the construction paper to form a snowman shape.
• Peel off the backing and stick cotton balls to the contact paper to cover the snowman.
  If you like, cut additional snowman features such as a hat or carrot from construction paper and glue to the snowman.

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USE MARSHMALLOWS to paint snowmen

Children dip the marshmallow in paint and use them as a stamp for snowmen...

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SNOWMAN BALLOON PAINTING

White Paint
Balloons
Paper
Give children three balloons --one big, one medium, and one small. Roll the balloons in white paint and then place them on a piece of paper to make a snowman. They can add features, scarf and a top hat with paint. A cute touch is to add froot loop cereal for the buttons! Be sure to have extra to munch!

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SALT DOUGH SNOWMAN ORNAMENT
Salt dough is fun to make as well as to model with. This salt dough snowman makes a nice Christmas present or tree decoration. Left-over dough can be kept in the refrigerator for about five days.
Materials:
6 tablespoons plain flour
3 tablespoons salt
Mixing bowl
3 tablespoons water
Pastry board
Baking parchment
Rolling pin
Blunt knife
Drinking straw
Baking sheet
Acrylic paint in shades of white, orange, green, red, and purple
Medium and fine paintbrushes
Narrow ribbon

• Mix the flour and the salt in the bowl. Gradually add the water until you have a firm, pliable dough. Set aside for ten minutes.
• Place the dough on the pastry board and roll a 4 cm (1½ in) wide ball for the body and a 3 cm (1¼ in) wide ball for the head. Flatten the body and head.
• Lay the body and head on baking parchment, butting them together.
• With the rolling pin--- roll a scrap of dough to ¼ inch  (5 mm) in thickness. Cut a rectangle about 1½ x 1¼ inches (4 x 3 cm) for the hat. Press to the head.

• Roll four logs 1 cm (½ in) thick. Lay one across the hat as a brim. Lay another across the 'neck' as a scarf. Lay the other logs at angles to the scarf, touching at the top, and dent the ends for a fringe with the knife.
• Roll three small balls of dough; press one to the head as a nose, the others to the body as buttons. Make a hole at the top of the hat with the straw.

Place the snowman on baking parchment on a baking sheet. Place in a preheated oven 250 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 6 hours, until hard. Leave to cool in the oven.
Paint the snowman's body white. Paint the hat, scarf, nose and buttons. Add a smile and two eyes. Leave to dry then thread the ribbon through the hole and tie.

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JUMBO CRAFT STICK SNOWMAN

 

Materials are per child...

• 7 Jumbo craft sticks
• White and Black paint (you may want to spray-paint the sticks beforehand)
• Decorative ribbon about 5in long (for hat)
• 2 Large wiggle eyes
• 5 small rocks (about 1/4 inch diameter) or buttons. Snow-plow cinders are the perfect size.
• Orange craft foam, felt, or construction paper
• Black Marker (optional)
• Scrap of cardboard about 3-3/4in wide x 5in high
• Hole punch
• Scissors
• Hot glue and hot glue gun or white glue.

Directions: You can save time and mess by pre-painting the sticks. Complete steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 ahead of time. If you plan to have the children paint the craft sticks, glue the sticks to the cardboard first (steps 6 and 7), then start at step 1  Source and Photo: The Learning Bug

1. Paint six craft sticks white.
2. Allow the paint to dry.
3. Paint one of the craft sticks entirely black.
4. Paint the top 2in of the six white sticks black (to form the hat)
5. Allow the paint to dry completely.
6. Make two vertical cuts about 1in long in the top of the center of the cardboard. Fold slightly to make a flap as illustrated. Punch a hole in the center of the top of the flap of cardboard (to hang from a nail).
7. Glue the six white craft sticks to the cardboard scrap as shown.
8. Glue the black craft stick down to create the brim of the hat, as shown.
9. Glue the wiggle eyes on to the snowman's face.
10. Cut out a triangle of orange craft foam (the carrot nose)
11. Glue the carrot on to the snowman's face
12. Wrap the ribbon around the brim of the hat and glue the ends in place on the back.
13. Glue each of the small stones or buttons to the snowman's face in the shape of a smile.

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FROSTY THE SNOWMAN out of TP Roll...
Supplies:
cotton balls
glue
paper punched black circles
toilet paper roll
Spread glue all over the toilet paper roll with a paint brush. Next cover the entire roll with cotton balls. Add black eyes nose and a mouth. Cut a desired shape hat in any color.

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SHAVING CREAM SNOWMAN
It doesn't have to snow to make a snowman! Cover your table with plastic, and then spray several cans of shaving cream on top. Kids have fun making snowmen--pretending it's snow! You may want to have them wear shirts or aprons over their clothing; cleanup is simple!

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 PUFF PAINT SNOWMEN
Make Puff Paint by mixing equal parts of glue and non-menthol shaving cream. Then using white paper...or roll paper if you want to make a large group snowman mural...
Cut out 3 circles: one small, one medium, and one large. Glue them onto blue construction paper. Decorate the snowman and scene with collage materials. When complete, have childen paint onto the snowman. User popsicle sticks, q-tips, plastic spoons, fingers, etc. to paint. When dry, hang for puffy snowman decorations!
Also a good mix for a polar bear! Food coloring can be added to this mixture...Sample puff paint artwork is courtesy of Monkey See-Monkey Do blogsite

 

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SNOWMAN MAGNET
Need:
3 white pom-poms (about 1/2-inch round)
2 wiggle eyes
Red sock or felt
Black felt
Thin marker
Tacky glue or hot glue
Tip of an orange crayon or piece of clay,
Felt or construction paper
Popsicle stick or piece of cardboard
Magnet strip with adhesive or jewelry pin

1. Take 3 pom-poms and glue across Popsicle stick.
2. Take red sock or felt and cut a 1/2-inch x 8-inch strip. Tie the "scarf" around the snowman's neck.
3. Glue on wiggle eyes.
4. Cut "buttons" out of edge of black felt and glue on as snowman's eyes.
5. Depending on the type of nose you want for your snowman, cut out orange felt, or construction paper---or a piece of clay in a carrot shape.
6. Cut a rectangle out of black felt 3 x 4 inches long and glue the short ends together to make the hat.
7. Trace around the top of the hat to make a circle to fit. Cut out and glue on one end of the hat.
8. Trace around the bottom of the hat, making the circle slightly larger to make the brim. Cut out.
9. Stuff the hat lightly with felt scraps to help it keep the shape.
10. Glue the brim to the bottom of the hat. Glue the hat onto the snowman's head and anchor onto the Popsicle stick.
11. Glue a magnet strip to the back of the Popsicle stick and let dry.

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MELTED SNOWMEN
Glue
Wax Paper
Twigs
Pipe Cleaner (orange)
Googly Eyes
Yarn
Glitter
1. Give child wax paper with a puddle of glue (glue is the actual snowman)
2. Have children place twigs (arms), orange pipe cleaner (nose), googlye eyes, & yarn (tied for hanging) in the glue
3. Sprinkle rainbow white glitter on the glue
4. Let the snowmen sit for 2-3 days
5. Once Dried melted snowman should pull right off of the wax paper ... hang them about the room

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OPEN ART TABLE~ Put out the white and black paint, blue, black ,white, and orange construction paper, art paper, a bit of ribbon and/ or material and see what the kids come up with! This sample image is courtesy of Shannon Stewart, Art Teacher at Stetson Hills School in Phoenix. The work is that of a third grade student.

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PAINT STICK SNOWMAN
Materials:
1 paint-stirring stick
White, black and orange Tempera paint
Strip of winter fabric for the scarf
Blush make-up for the cheeks
Small strip of thin wood (or foam) for the hat brim
Hot glue gun or Elmer's glue
Heavy string or yarn to hang ornament
Bit of greenery or a bell for hat decoration
 
1. Using a clean new stirring stick, paint the majority of the stick white, leaving some space at the top to paint black for the hat.
2. Paint the top of the stick and small strip of wood black.
When all the paint has completely dried, glue the black strip of wood to the hat.
3. Use the Tempera paint to make the face and buttons.
4. Tie the material around the narrowest part of the stick, which is the neck of the snowman.
OPTIONAL: Glue some decorative greenery, holly, or bell to the hat.
Glue the yarn to the back of the hat forming a hanging loop.
Let dry overnight. (Photo and idea from Kansas City Public Library)

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#1 BUBBLE WRAP SNOWMEN
Need:
Bubble Wrap
White Paint
Construction Paper
Cut circle shapes from bubble wrap. Press the wrap into the white paint---next press the painted wrap on the paper. Press the circles 2 or 3 on top of each other to look like a snowman. The snowman will look like it is made from snowballs. Decorate the dried snowman as desired.

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#2 SNOWMAN STAMPING with BUBBLE WRAP
Need:
Packing bubbles, paint, dark paper
Directions:
Use packing bubbles to make a snowman.
Cut the bubbles in to a snowman shape
Paint the bumpy side with white tempera and press onto dark paper.

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BULLETIN BOARD or DOOR ENTRANCE-- IDEA #1 
Make a large snowman holding a banner that says:
IT"S "SNOW" SECRET. SAC IS "COOL"! (Or ______ IS COOL! )

Hang shiny blue wrapping paper on the board or door and put the snowman in the middle.

• Then have each child cut out a snowball and sign it. Scatter all the snowballs around the door or board. It should look like it was the target of a major snowball fight!

• It's something you can leave up from first snow to last snow!

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 IDEA #2

Make Winter a time to smile with a version of this Oh-So-Happy Display/Bulletin Board! "PE IS SNOW MUCH FUN!" This idea can be adapted to any class/any program!  Yours can say..."SAC is Snow Much Fun"..."School is Snow Much Fun" or  " ________ is Snow Much Fun!"

Put three jolly snow fellows on a blue background. Stand them on white drifting "snow."  One is juggling snowballs; the middle is about to throw a ball; the last is  'mid-flip' while jumping rope! All are smiling -- have a long construction-paper carrot nose and apple-red cheeks. Thank you to Upton Elementary School-Royal Oak, Michigan for sharing...(Photo by KidActivities)

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HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Random Winter Ideas
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 

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SNOWMAN SOUP 
Put hot chocolate mix in a cup. Add hot water and mix. Put in two Hershey kisses…stir again. To cool off add an ice cube and then two or three marshmallows for the snowballs. A Candy cane would a nice touch as stirrer.

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RICE CAKE SNOW PEOPLE SNACK
Give each child a rice cake and have them spread cream cheese or white frosting on the rice cakes.
Decorate the faces with M&M's, raisins, raisenettes, red liquorish, and baby carrots.

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 POPCORN SNOWMEN

Ingredients:

2 ½ quarts popped corn
¼ Cup butter
1 pkg. 10 oz. Marshmallows
1 teaspoon Vanilla

•  Pop popcorn and set aside.
• In a saucepan over low heat melt butter and marshmallows. Stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
• Pour over popped pop corn and mix until well coated.
• With buttered hands form into snowball shapes.
• Make one large ball for the bottom, one medium ball and a smaller ball for the head.
• Decorate with pretzel sticks, candy,raisins, or nuts for the eyes, nose, mouth and buttons.

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EASY SNOWMAN CAKE

• Prepare a cake mix and bake in two round cake pans. One cake pan smaller than the other. One will be the bottom of the snowman one will be the top.
• Allow to cool and frost with white frosting.
• If desired, sprinkle shredded white coconut over all of frosting or leave without.
• Add gumdrops or other candies for eyes and a nose and licorice whips for a smile.
• Add chocolate candies for buttons.
• You can add pretzels rods or licorice whips for arms. Click here for original Flickr recipe and photo.
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MAKE AN ICE CREAM SNOWMAN

Start out with two or three scoops of vanilla ice cream. Have the kids decorate their snowmen with M&Ms for the nose and chocolate chips for the buttons and the eyes, long pieces of black licorice could be used for the top hat.

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 RICE KRISPY SNOWMAN #1 Makes: 5
3 tablespoons butter
1 package (10 ounces) marshmallows (about 40)
6 cups crispy rice cereal

 
You can decorate with ANYTHING-the Treats in photo uses:
5 round red peppermint candies
8 red jelly beans
10 semisweet chocolate chips
25 miniature semisweet chocolate chips
1 fruit roll-up, cut into 3/4-inch strips
15 red-hot cinnamon candies and 10 pretzel sticks

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and coat with nonstick cooking spray. 

2. Melt the butter in a soup pot over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from the heat and add the cereal; stir until completely coated. 

3. Using a 3/4-cup measure of the mixture for each, form five balls and place on the baking sheet. Using a 1/3-cup measure for each, form five more balls. Place the smaller balls on top of the larger ones, forming snowmen. Decorate with the candies, chips, and pretzels as shown. 

4. Serve, or cover loosely with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
TIP: Coat your hands with nonstick cooking spray or butter to keep the marshmallow mixture from sticking to them when forming the cereal balls.

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SNOWMEN DECORATING IDEAS:
   • Raisins (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • Red Hots (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • M&M's (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • Chocolate Chips (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • Tiny Jelly Beans (eyes, nose, mouth, buttons, etc.) 
   • Large Gum Drops (hat) 
   • Pretzel Sticks (Arms)

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RICE KRISPIES SNOWMEN #2

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows or 4 cups miniature marshmallows
6 cups KELLOGG'S® RICE KRISPIES® cereal or KELLOGG'S® COCOA KRISPIES® cereal
Prepared chocolate and vanilla frosting
Green and black candy pieces
Note:
For best results, use fresh marshmallows. 1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme can be substituted for marshmallows.Diet, reduced calorie or tub margarine is not recommended. Store no more than two days in airtight container.

• Melt margarine in large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
• Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until well coated.
• Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly in 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Using a 4-inch snowman cookie cutter, cut into snowman shapes when cooled. If a snowman cookie cutter is not available, use 1 1/2-inch, 1 3/5-inch and 2-inch round cookie cutters. Using prepared frosting, connect each circle to make a snowman and decorate as desired with remaining ingredients. Best if served the same day.

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
In a microwave save bowl, heat margarine and marshmallows at HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 2 and 3 above. Microwave cooking times may vary. Source: Safeway Stores

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RICE KRISPY SNOWBALLS
6 cups Rice Krispy cereal
1/4 cup margarine
10 oz package marshmellows
Powdered sugar
Follow microwave directions for making RICE KRISPY treats. Allow mixture to cool but not harden. Have children mold into snowballs; shake the balls in baggies filled with powdered sugar

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BANANA SNOWMAN
For each child you need:
1/2 banana per child
1/2 cup milk
1 tb. honey per child
1/3 cup shredded coconut
Small pieces of carrots and raisins
Toothpicks
For each Snowman you need one large, one medium, and one small piece of banana. Stir honey into the milk and then dip the pieces of banana into the minture. Optional-roll in the coconut. Stack the pieces onto the toothpick. Decorate with raisins and carrot pieces. Add toothpick arms if desired. (Photo courtesy of Rowecrew )

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SNOWMAN COOKIES
1 box white cake mix
2 eggs
1 stick butter, softened
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Red and green candies
Red and brown icing gel

• Mix eggs, butter and vanilla.
• Slowly mix in cake mix.
• Chill dough at least 1 hour.
• Roll dough into one inch and 3/4 inch balls.
• Put smaller ball beside larger ball on cookie sheet, press together slightly.
• Use green candy for eyes on smaller ball; use red candy on larger ball for buttons.
• Bake at 350 degrees on a ungreased cookie sheet, for 8-9 minutes. Remove and cool.
• Use red icing gel to make mouth and brown to make a broom.
  

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MARSHMALLOW SNOWMEN

BASIC RECIPE: Give each child 2 marshmallows, 3 pretzel sticks and a few raisins.
Take a pretzel stick and put it into the middle of one of the marshmallows and then place the other marshmallow on top. Now take the other two pretzels and use them for the arms. Use the raisins for eyes, nose, and mouth.
Now EAT!

Get creative and try some other ways! As Tricia at Craft Addict made with her children- take three mini marshmallows, dip in white chocolate and then decorate with assorted sprinkles. Her children also made the snowmen using three large marshmallows on sucker sticks and last--rolled miniature marshmallows in white chocolate and then shredded coconut. Yumm..the kids will love this one! (Photo is courtesty of Craft Addict )

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SNOWMAN TOAST: Ingredients: Toast, softened cream cheese, fruit roll-ups, carrots, raisins, round cookie cutters

• Make toasted bread; make circles from the toast using the cookie cutters.
• Spread cream cheese on the toast to create the snow.
•  Decorate the 'Snowman" with the carrots and raisins. 
• Fashion a scarf with thin strips of the fruit roll-up. Fun!

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SNOWMAN COOKIE
Nice after snow play...this gives 1 Snowman Snack
Ingredients:
3 vanilla wafers,
1 tablespoon vanilla icing,
Raisins/sprinkles/candy corn/other garnish
1. Place vanilla wafers on plate so they are in a vertical line.
2. Coat each wafer with vanilla icing.
3. Decorate snowman however you like. Some ideas: Round sprinkles for eyes and mouth, raisins for buttons, candy corn for the  nose.

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 QUICK SNOWMAN TREATS

• Powdered Donuts

• Carrot noses with snowman dip (ranch dressing) 

 • Snowman Face Crackers - using cream cheese and imagination (olives, veggie pieces, raisins, etc.),

• Sandwiches cut into different circle shapes and placed together in a snowman shape. Add pretzel stick arms and raisin buttons and eyes! (The above child-made sample is courtesy of Rowecrew)  

• Hostess White Snowballs

• Rice Krispie Treat Snow Balls (See above)

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PEANUT BUTTER (Nutter Butter) SNOWMEN

Ingredients:
2 (16-ounce) bags white chocolate chips
2 tablespoons shortening
1 (16-ounce) package peanut butter sandwich cookies (recommended: Nabisco Nutter Butters)
For decorating:
Chocolate sprinkles
Candy buttons (dot candy on paper)
Colored sprinkles
Red nonpareils
Large sugared gum drop jellies
Red string licorice ((recommended: Twizzlers Pull-n-Peel)

1. Place white chocolate chips and shortening in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute; stir until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. If necessary, microwave on high for additional 30 second intervals until mixture is smooth. If you prefer, place in double boiler over low heat, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

2. Meanwhile, pierce 1 end of each cookie with a toothpick. Use the toothpick to dip entire cookie into the white chocolate mixture. Let excess drip back into bowl and lay cookie on wire rack. Before the white chocolate has a chance to cool, decorate the cookie with various candies into a playful snowman.

3. Place chocolate sprinkles as eyebrows, blue or green dots for eyes, an orange sprinkle placed vertically for the nose and several red nonpareils for a mouth. Cut a gumdrop in half, slice a sliver from each half lengthwise to form a crescent shaped brim to the hat. Top off the hat with a gumdrop half and reserve the other half for another snowman. You may have to flatten the gumdrop a bit to fit the snowman.

After the snowman has completely dried, tie a red string licorice around the neck as a scarf. Using a rolling pin to flatten the licorice will make it easier for the scarf to stay tied and look natural. Recipe courtesy Sandra Lee Food Network Specials

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MAKE SNOW PEOPLE! A snack and craft in one...

Ingredients: Both Large and Mini Marshmallows; Pretzel Sticks

Just put out the marshmallows and pretzels and allow children to create snow people and sculptures. Insert pretzel sticks into the marshmallows and build from there...Of course put out extras for the kids to munch on as they build!

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SNOWMAN MILKSHAKE IN A CUP/GLASS
 
Materials and Ingredients
Clear glasses or cups
Milk chocolate candy bar
Clean, unused paint brush
Ribbon or yarn
4 cups vanilla ice cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups milk, less for thicker milkshakes

1. Melt the chocolate bar in the microwave 15 seconds at a time until soft.
2. Using a paint brush--paint eyes, nose and mouth on the inside of the glass.
3. Put the glass in the refrigerator so the chocolate can harden.
4. Mix the ice cream, vanilla and milk together in a blender. Pour into the glasses.
5. Add ribbon or yarn to the base of the glass for a scarf. Enjoy your snowman!

 Back to top of page

HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Random Winter Ideas
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 
• Reindeer Theme

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GAMES, GAMES, GAMES! Both Active & Passive Ideas...

 

THREE IDEAS FOR INDOOR SNOWBALL FUN!

You will need:
Several sheets of white paper
Hula-Hoop
Laundry basket
Ping-Pong ball
Empty plastic soda bottle

Crumple up the sheets of paper to make paper snowballs and  try one or more of the following activities with the children:

1. Set a Hula-Hoop on the floor and try to toss the snowballs into the circle.

2. Place a laundry basket on a table and try to toss the snowballs into the basket.

3. Place a Ping-Pong ball on the mouth of an empty plastic soda bottle, then try to knock off the ball with the snowballs without knocking over the bottle.

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SNOWBALL FIGHT

• Crumple up several sheets of paper to make snowballs. Before play begins, create a safe zone to which the children may run.

• Have one player hide (turn their back) with a stack of 'snowballs'. The other players pretend to ice-skate, ski, or play in the snow.

• With a shout of "Snowball Fight!" the hidden player begins to throw snowballs at the players, who must run to the safe zone before a snowball hits them.

• If the snowball thrower doesn't hit a player with a snowball, he must return to his hiding place, and play resumes.

• If a player is hit, he becomes the hidden player.
(With a larger group have 2 or 3 snowball throwers)

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LARGE SEASONAL TIC-TAC-TOE

Adapt tic-tac-toe to play at different seasons and holidays. Take a large piece of poster board and draw the tic tac toe lines on it and laminate if possible. FOR WINTER....
Make winter shape templates of mittens and hats...or snowballs and snowmen.
Cut out the shapes (laminate if possible) and play as usual.

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WINTER PICTIONARY

Supplies:
Black board and chalk or a Dry Erase board. Also markers, slips of paper with a different winter items/objects on each one,a container for words and timer.
 
Example of pictionary words:
mittens, coat, snowflake, sled, ice-skates, snowman, etc...

Divide the kids into teams. The player up draws a slip of paper from the bowl and then reads it silently and hands to it to the facilitator. The player must then draw clues as to what was on their paper -- their team guesses what it is. If the playing team guesses correctly, before the timer runs out, they get two points.

If the playing team cannot guess correctly, before the timer runs out, the opposing team may take one guess. If the opposing team guesses correctly they get a point and the playing team loses a point. Most points wins.
For small children don't divide into teams, use a timer or keep track of points. Just play until someone in the class yells out the right answer.

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WINTER “SIMON SAYS”
Play Simon Says according to the season and theme:
Frosty Says, The Snowman Says, The Polar Bear Says, The Penguin Says, The Gingerbread Boy (or Girl) Says, etc.

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HOW ABOUT A GOOD OLD-FASHION SNOWBALL FIGHT? (Califonis Style!)

I live in Southern CA where we don't get snow. So, each December with my older group of children we assemble about 200 snowballs using newspaper and masking tape. On cold days or on days we can't be outside, we have a snowball fight.

Divide the group into two teams. Put each team on opposite sides of the room with the pile of snowballs in the middle. On go, each team must try to get as many snowballs on the other teams side as fast as possible. I usually time them for about 1-2 minutes. At stop, all of the snowballs are on the ground and staff assist the children in gathering them into one pile and counting. The team with the least snowballs is the winner.

Of course you have to have the typical rules: you can't throw them at anyone, yada yada!.   Have fun!! Tasha/California

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HUMAN SNOWBLOWER TABLE GAME

Race against time and competitors to puff your ball to the finish line.
Materials:
Large paper cups
Table
Ping-Pong ball
Paper towel tubes

HOW TO PLAY:
1. To set up, hang three large paper cups with tape off one side of a table, so that the cup openings are level with the table's surface. Fill each cup halfway with small prizes. (If it's a party;forget the prizes if it's NOT a party)
 
2. Give the first two players paper towel tubes and explain that when you place a Ping-Pong ball in front of each of them, they must blow through the tubes like a snowblower. (Point out that a gentle breath is all it takes to get the "snowball" rolling.)
 
3. Each contestant will have 15 seconds to direct the ball across the table and into one of the paper cups; if the ball goes over the edge first, that player's turn is over. Each winner gets to pick one prize from the cup--and the playing continues until each cup is empty.

(Just play if there are no prizers.This could be an on-going winter game; if it is, have the kids decorate their paper towel tubes with construction paper, stickers, ribbon, drawings, etc.

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PENGUIN SHUFFLE
This is an Indoor race that challenges kids' balancing skills - penguin style.

Materials:
Beanbag or Hacky Sack-style footbag
HOW TO PLAY:
Have children stand side by side with their "eggs" (beanbags or Hacky Sack-style footbags) on top of their feet. Players try to shuffle across the room without dropping their "eggs." The first one to succeed wins.

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SNOWFLAKES KEEP FALLIN' ON MY HEAD (A Relay Game)

Supplies: A 5-inch paper snow flake per team, masking tape or chalk

Divide children into equal teams. Use tape or chalk to mark a starting and turning point--about 10 feet apart for each team. Give the first team members a paper snowflake. At the signal, the first players place the snowflakes on their heads and clasp their hands behind their backs. They walk to the turning point and back.. If the snowflake falls off, players must return to the starting point and begin again.

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GO ICE SKATING

Collect plastic grocery bags. Tie one on each foot. (This will take a little time.) Have children go into the gym and play a game--but they have to skate on the bags! Basketball is a riot! From Mrs.Z/Rochester, Mi.

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PLAY  20 QUESTIONS WINTER STYLE!  
One person picks something that is WINTER RELATED... and then the rest of the children ask "Yes -or -No- questions’ (up to 20 questions only) until someone guesses who/or what the person has chosen. Another version of this game is to place something "Winter-ish" IN A BOX that the children can't see. Play the game from there! (You could put in a mitten, snowball-in a baggie), hat, paper snowflake, chap-stick, etc.) 

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SNOWBALL RELAY GAME

Supplies:
Styrofoam ball for each team
Pencil for each team
How To Play:
Divide into teams. First child on each team will be given a Styrofoam ball (snowball) and a pencil.
On your mark- they are to bend over, place the ball on the floor, and push the ball with the pencil across the room, around an obstacle, and back to next child on team. First team to finish wins.
Source:kaboose.com

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SNOWBALL RACE

You'll need:
Styrofoam balls or balls of white yarn, spoons and mittens for each team.

Play this game as you would any relay race. Divide into teams. Each player takes turns putting on mittens and balancing a "snowball" on a spoon while racing to the other side of the room. Drop the snowball
into a bucket, return to the team, pass the mittens and go to the back of the line. First team to complete the race wins!
Source: Amazingmoms.com

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JACK FROST GAME

Materials: Paper Snow ball, snowflakes and shapes...chairs or carpet squares, tape

Divide kids into 3 groups--
   • The snowballs
   • The snowflakes
   • The icicles.
Tape one labeled paper shape on each child to indicate what group they are part of. Have the children sit in a circle on chairs or carpet squares.
Choose one child to be Jack Frost and have him/her stand in the center of the circle.
Remove Jack Frost's seat from the group so there is one seat less than the amount of kids playing the game.
Begin by having Jack Frost call out ONE group name---such as "snowballs" (or one of the other two)

When a group hear their group name called, the children of THAT group run to a NEW chair in the circle. (All in that group switch seats) At the same time, Jack Frost tries to get into one of the empty seats...
Whoever is NOT in a seat is the NEW Jack Frost.
Jack may also call out SNOWSTORM! If so...All kids find new seats!

I first thought this game is only for younger children; however, even 3-5 graders wanted to play too! I join in and play with them. Laugh and have a good time. When adults laugh and play too...the kids have a better time! Barb

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MARSHMALLOW SNOWBALL FIGHT

Do you have a 'small' group? If so, during the winter months when children can't get outside or if you live in a warm climate and want to have a snowball fight-- use large marshmallows.

The children stand across from each other and start throwing. Put the marshmallows into containers. The side that makes them all disappear first wins. After they all hit the floor you can use again to throw some more.

Remind the children they can't eat them after they hit the floor or ground! This is a fun activity for ages 3 and up.(My older grandchildren love to do this all year round when they visit, they bombard grandpa! Barb

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SNOWBALL OVER THE MOUNTAIN

Supplies:
Sheet
White balloons blown up
Adults to help
How To Play:
Children are divided into two teams. A sheet (the mountain) is held above eye level between the two groups by adults or tall youth (holding each end). Each side throws snowballs (white balloons) over to the other side. Adapted from kaboose.com

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SHOE BOX RELAY RACE

Supplies: Tootsie Rolls (1 for each child)
Shoe box for each team, Bell for each team
2 mittens for each team
2 bowls for each team

How To Play:
   • Place tootsie rolls, in a bowl, at the opposite end of the room. 
   • Divide the children into two or more relay teams.
   • Explain that when you say, "GO" the first person on each team will put on the mittens, step into the shoe boxes and race to the other end of the room.
   • They are then to pick up a tootsie roll out of the bowl and race back to their team still wearing their mittens and shoe boxes.
   • Pass the mittens and shoe box to the next person in line, sit down, eat your tootsie roll.
   • The first team to finish eating their tootsie rolls wins! Adapted from Kaboose.com

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DRESS YOUR TEACHER RACE!

   • Have a large area with two adults and their own gloves, hats, coats, scarves, and boots laying next to them.
   • The children l line up in front of one of the adults and one at a time run up and place an item of winter on the adult.
   • The first team done wins.
   • Children love the excitement of this game and it also gets a lot of energy out on days it is too cold to go outside!

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SNOWBALL THROW

Supplies: A line drawn or taped on the floor --pre-made tissue paper snow balls.
How To Play:
   • Set a time for 2-3 minutes.
   • Yell, "GO"!
   • Each team throws their tissue paper snowballs back and forth across the lines.
   • When the timer goes off, the team with the LEAST amount of snowballs on their side wins.

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A FLORIDA SNOW IDEA

My kids (all ages) have a great time balling up old newspaper and then taking the "snowballs" outside for an old-fashioned snowball fight. Just remember that newspaper can leave inky hands... you could also use that rejected copy paper that is saved in trash bag or large marshmallows (both read about elsewhere on this site) for warm climate winter game ideas! From Casey

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***Idea: PLAY COLD BALL using a large white Styrofoam ball…the same way you would play "Hot Potato".

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PASS THE ICE (Young kids)
Play just like hot potato only with an ice cube. When the music stops clap for the person with the ice.

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PASS THE SNOWBALL - Circle Game (For younger kids)

When you have snow--make a couple snowballs and freeze them until they are very hard.
Have the children put on their mittens. and play the "Wonder-ball game".
While passing the snowball around the circle have children memorize and say, 

 
"The wonder ball goes round and round. To pass it quickly, you are bound. If you're the one to hold it last. The game for you has quickly passed. Out goes Y-O-U!"

The children sit out the rest of that round (or you can have them stay in--it's your choice how you play this part)
The kids will think it's fun wearing their mittens during inside time--to play this game.
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INSIDE SKATING RINK
There have been several games in here describing games that simulate "indoor ice-skating". This is what we do with out kinder-program.
We make a skating rink on the carpet by placing tape on the floor as an outline and then put wax paper on the children's shoes. They really like to do this---and it's also good for indoor large motor skills. (Sarah/Oakbrook)

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HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES! 

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Winter Inside Fun
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 

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FOOTPRINT TAG
Play tag as you normally would...but stepping only in others' footprints.

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SNOW BASEBALL

• Set up a baseball diamond with a mound of snow representing home plate and first, second and third bases.
• Place an empty water bottle on the top of each mound.
• The pitche stands in the middle of the diamond and hurls snowballs first at home plate, then around the bases.
• Whoever knocks down the bottles with the fewest pitches wins.

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SNOW GOLF
Take some time to smooth out a fairway and a green. Take an open can and plant it in the snow--this is the hole.
For golf balls, use hockey pucks. For clubs, use hockey sticks or real golf clubs.

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POWDER-PUFF FOOTBALL (Play out in the snow!)

• All you need are two teams of three or more people to play, along with a spray bottle filled with a mix of water and food coloring to mark the playing field (a large rectangle with a centerline should suffice).
• The teams line up at opposite ends of the field (the North and South poles) for a kickoff.
• Once someone on the receiving team catches the ball, he tries to move it back across the defense's goal line by running with it or passing it to a teammate.
• Play stops if the person with the ball is tagged by an opponent or slides out of bounds.
• The teams then face off again on the spot. After four tries, or a touchdown, the ball goes to the other team.
• The game ends when either team gets cold.
  Source:familyfun.go.com

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FIND THER SNOW FLAG!
Tie a white cloth to the end of a short stick. Give each child a chance to hide it by staking it anywhere within an area with boundaries. Note how long it takes for the rest of the group to find it. Whoever hid the flag with the group that took the longest time to find it wins the game!

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JUMP SNOW HURDLES
Lightly pack a lot of basketball-size snowballs and then use them to build a course of hurdles to jump over in a round of 'Follow the Leader'.

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ROPE SNOW TUG

• Team up for a slip-sliding variation of tug-of-war.
• Tamp down a wide, shallow trench in the snow to serve as the mid line. Then, take up positions at the ends of a long, thick rope and let the tugging and towing begin.
• Whichever team pulls the entire opposing group over to its side of the trench wins.
  WE have a winter Olympics and this is one of the things we do! Frodo/Colorado

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***In the winter students (and adults) like to throw snowballs. PLACE A SNOWBALL TARGET in a conspicuous place where it's fine to throw snowballs. Make sure rules are established so no one gets hurt. It's a great source of exercise for all kids, even those that are not athletically inclined.
No snow? Roll up those 'saved" pieces of white paper and pretend they're snowballs!

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SNOWBALL STRIKE OUT GAME
Good for older Kids!
First mound up snow to create three bases and a pitcher's mound--the three mound piles should each be about 2 feet high and 20 feet apart. Next, build a tin can pyramid on each base. The challenge is to knock down the stacks in order--from first to third base by throwing snowballs from the pitcher's mound. The child who succeeds with the fewest pitches wins.

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SNOWMAN HAT TRICK

 Build a plump, snowman in the yard/play-field. Make a game of taking turns trying to land a hat on his head by throwing it Frisbee style from 10 or so feet away.

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GET ON A ROLL
Pair up for a contest in which the object is to finish with the biggest snowball. The contest ends when the teams can no longer roll their entries or when you run out of snow.

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SNOW-BOOT TWO STEP
You'll Need: Snow boots, Winter clothes

• This tough-to-master version of follow the leader requires 2 or more players. The leader makes a path in freshly fallen snow.
• His or her teammates must try to step in exactly the same spots.
• The object of the game is to make it seem as if only one person has taken a walk through the snow.
• Can you pull it off? It takes balance and agility! Be sure to bundle up to stay warm and dry.
  Source: creativekidsathome.com

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WINTER TAG (NATIVE INDIAN)

5 or more players, ages 5 and up, played outdoors in the winter.

Players prepare the course for the game, consisting of a maze of parts in the snow over a field or ice. The parts should be wide enough for one person to run on, about one meter wide.

What follows is a simple game of tag played in lanes in the snow. Players must stay on the paths always, but the person who is 'it' may jump from path to path in pursuit of his opponents.

This imaginative modification of tag in the winter could lead players to inventing their own unique games for the winter season.  Source: Thunder Bay Multicultural Association

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...Also Check out  OUTSIDE WINTER TIME FUN!  Lot's of Ideas!

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SNOW MOLDS
Just like sand, snow is wet and dense--and can be formed into shapes. When you go outside...take out the sandbox toys, buckets, containers and molds. Create a snow castle (instead of sand castle) -- Create and have fun!

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BUILD A LARGE SNOW WORM (or Caterpillar) Great for kids-no lifting heavy snow!

Materials: Food coloring, snow, sticks, fruit or vegetables (oranges, carrot)

• Make several large snow balls. (One bigger than the rest for the head.)
• Use the fruit or vegetables to make eyes and a nose. Like you would with a regular snowman.
• Mix the food coloring in with some water and fill up a spray bottle to spray your worm with whatever color you want. (or not) A fun winter "Earth Activity"!

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JELL-O IN THE SNOW
Make Jell-O according to directions on package. Pour into clean baby food jars-one for each child. Place containers in large tub and fill the tub with snow. When Jell-O is seT--enjoy!

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CREATE A BIRDSEED SNOW ANGEL
This angel is easiest made together. One partner lies down to make a snow angel while the other partner stands by to help the maker get up without messing up the imprint. After the imprint is formed, pour cups of birdseed into the angel, filling the head and body with bands of variously colored seed. For a finishing touch, add pine boughs for the angel's spreading wings.

Extension Science Idea:
Watch this spot daily and record your observations in a journal. The journal can be made with paper and a construction paper cover. At the same time every day, write down what the weather is like, including temperature, how the sky looks, if it is snowy or sunny and what animals you see, and how they look to you. Are they feeding? This can be a fun spectator activity!

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SNOWMAN BUILDING RACE  (A game-but primarily building a snowman!)
Here's how you play.
1. Pick 2 teams. The 2 teams make a snowman bottom.
2. Someone yells GO!
3. The 2 teams start to finish the rest of the snowman---The body, hat, nose, etc.
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ICE MAN
Fill three balloons with water (one big, one medium, and one small). Let freeze overnight. Peel the balloon off and stack the balls (use salt between to help them melt and stick together. Have kids clothe him,put a carrot nose,stick arms, etc. 

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SNOW TREASURE  HUNT
Hide a chest full of 'fun' in the snow, then watch kids track it down clue by clue. 
Need:
Cooler
Treats
Magazines (optional)
Paper
Markers
Plastic bags

• Pack a cooler full of treats and then hide the "treasure chest."
• Create a series of clues leading to the chest. Use either pictures from magazines or create your own with markers and paper.
• Place each clue in a plastic bag and hide it in the snow.
• Begin the hunt by handing the players their first clue.

VARIATIONS:
For more sophisticated players, give them their clues in riddles or use rebuses.
TIPS:
Look around the yard for good clue hiding places and plot them on paper. Then create the picture clues for each spot and hide them in order (keep the master list just in case a clue gets lost). Source: familyfun.go.com

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FREEZE BUBBLES!

Tips:
This is a good science lesson...

• When the temperature dips below the freezing point, many changes occur in our environment: water turns to ice, and rain turns to snow. The bubble activity demonstrates this.
• It's a good idea to first chill the containers of bubble solution in the refrigerator;outside it has to be below freezing temp.
• Have children observe the bubbles closely as they blow. They will notice ice crystals forming on the surface of the bubbles.
• What happens when the bubbles pop? They shatter.
• If the outside weather is below 32 degrees, you can make bubbles outdoors. Blow a bubble and catch it on the wand. Wait and watch as it freezes. It will turn into a crystal ball and then shatter like glass; you'll see ice crystals form.

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 Create a SNOWY SELF PORTRAIT that doubles as a tasty treat for animals who might stop by to admire and sample your work.
Materials:
Birdseed (such as sunflower seeds and cracked corn)
Fruits and vegetables (like apples, kale and carrots)
Food coloring
Pump bottles

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Start by prepping your art materials; fill the pump bottles with different hues of food-color-tinted water and cut up various fruits and vegetables. Then take the materials outside.
2. Next, start your masterpiece by lying back in the snow to make a body print. Gently rock your body to pack the print, then carefully get up (you may need a friend's help).
3. Create a portrait by filling in the shape with the seeds and vegetable pieces and adding details with the colored water.

Tips:
Younger kids may find it easier to work with fewer materials and to use cups or small pitchers (instead of their hands) to pour lines of seed. Remember to have the artists sign their initials somewhere, too! Source: familyfun.go.com

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ICE BLOCK DESIGNS
This is science, art, and outside winter play! Younger children can observe how salt melts ice while creating colorful designs in large blocks of ice.
Need: Large blocks of ice, Coarse salt, Food coloring,Eye droppers

• Freeze water in empty one gallon milk containers. Remove the cardboard when water is frozen.
• Place ice blocks on trays covered with several layers of newspaper.
• Sprinkle coarse salt on top of the ice blocks.
• Drip various colors of food coloring on top of the ice block--tunnels of color are created as the salt melts through the ice block.
• Put the colorful ice blocks outside. If cold enough- they should stay frozen for several days.
• Children can continue to examine the melting process during outdoor play. If possible-(and if they are interested) give kids their own block of ice.
• If you have a large group do this activity over a few days. Children will enjoy watching the changes that occur as the blocks melt away!
  Adapted from Marjorie E.in KinderArt.com

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SNOW ART
Give children squirt bottles filled with colored water and let them color the snow. Consider also using dish detergent bottles, filled with water and food coloring; they may work easier with mittens on.

Advice: Get a supply of old-used mittens as to not soil childrens' gloves.

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WINTER SUN CATCHER (Preschool and up)
Time: An hour (plus overnight to dry) 
 
Materials: 
Ribbon or yarn (at least 12 inches long)
Water
Aluminum pie plate, or other metal dish
Food coloring or crayon shavings
Flower petals, berries, leaves, or other materials

Directions:

• Make a loop with the ribbon and place it in the pie plate. Leave at least 5 inches of the looped end hanging over the edge
• Fill the plate with water.
• If you'd like your sun catcher to be colored, add a few drops of food coloring to the water and mix it around.
• Add the crayon shavings, berries, or other materials for your sun catcher to the water.
• Let the materials fall into place, or arrange them in a design. (Keep in mind that the materials may move around on their own.)
• Put the plate in the freezer, or if it's cold enough, leave it outside to freeze.
• Let the plate sit for at least one day. If it's outside, you may need to let it sit longer.
• When the water is completely frozen, carefully remove the ice from the tin.

Now your project is ready to catch some rays! Hang your sun catcher outside from a tree or windowsill for friends and neighbors to admire. You can also try using cupcake tins and shorter ribbon (6 inches)to make several small sun catchers.
Source: fun.familyeducation.com

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VIEWING SNOWFLAKES
What you'll need:
Viewing platform: black velvet, dark cloth, or black construction paper
Magnifying glass

• Snowflakes are delicate creatures and their fine crystalline shape can vanish at the touch of warmth.
• You'll need to freeze your viewing surface (keep it in the fridge or outside in a cold dry area).
• If the snow is falling, just hold your platform aloft to catch a few flakes and view with your magnifying glass.
• You may need to wear a scarf over the mouth and nose to avoid melting the flakes with a warm breath.
  Source: fun.familyeducation.com

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CATCHING SNOWFLAKES
Place a black sheet of paper into a freezer until cold. Take outdoors and use a magnifying glass to view snowflakes that land on the paper. 

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TRY MAKING YOUR OWN ICICLE!

Puncture a VERY SMALL hole into a hanging container, fill it with water and then leave it slowly dripping over-night. The next day you should have your own icicle.

 

 

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SNOW SHOES See if you can pick some up for a good deal-or rent them for a day. The kids will have a ball walking on the snow without them--and then walking with them. Fun to watch and fun to do!

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OLD MARKERS DRYING OUT?
Take them outside and color the snow!

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THINK ABOUT AN OUTSIDE WINTER PICNIC!
Consider this for one of those all day or half day programs.

• You need a clear winter day.
• Children provide packed lunches-- a hot one if they have an insulated bag. Program can provide warm drinks in thermoses.
• Pre-choose your picnic site.
• When you arrive, first play a warming game like leapfrog ... have your warm lunches ...followed by playing more active games!
• This would be a great time to play relay and planned games!
  Weather not cooperating on the planned day? Do the same but inside!!!

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DON'T FORGET ABOUT~

 • Looking for animal footprints...
 • Making snow angels...
 • Older kids puling the younger on sleds...
 • Taking thermoses of hot chocolate outside...
 • Winter time nature scavenger hunt...
 • Build houses, igloos and forts...
• Don't just make snowmen-Make snow-women, animals, animals and super heroes!

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Check out-- Winter Outside Snow Games

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 Cocoa Gift Ideas are page bottom...

 

WHEN IT'S COLD, COLD, COLD...Help kids plan a comfy-warm Cocoa Party!

You could add a movie (an old favorite or something just released.) Make popcorn or have cookies and set up a hot chocolate bar where everyone can add marshmallows, chocolate sprinkles, and whipped cream to cups of cocoa. Extension Idea: Consider adding a pajama party! Have kids wear PJ's and lounge on pillows and blankets as they watch a movie. (Don't forget favorite stuffed animals!)

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FANCY UP THAT HOT CHOCOLATE MIX!!!

Making plain hot chocolate from a mix? Consider the following:

•  Garnish your cocoa with a candy cane which can double as a stirrer.
• Whipped cream and colored sprinkles!
• Top with whipped cream, cherry and chocolate sauce.
• Make a "Milky Way" drink by adding caramel topping.
• Place chocolate chips in the bottom of a clear glass mug. Add steaming hot milk and stir the melted chocolate.
• Top hot cocoa with whipped cream and cinnamon.
• Drop a scoop of peppermint ice cream into a mug of hot chocolate.
• Put two large marshmallows in the bottom of an empty cup and pour hot chocolate on top so that the marshmallows melt. Serve with graham crackers to make s'mores in a cup. Source: amazingmoms.com

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TIPS FOR A CROWD OF COCOA LOVERS!
1.  Purchase an inexpensive 'party coffee pot' for 50 cups or more; pre-make the hot chocolate. Just fill the pot with water--get it hot--add the mix.
2.  For a large program you'll need 2 pots or add a couple air pots to keep it warm as it's made.
3.  Don't use any mix with marshmallows already in it; the spout of the coffee pot may clog!
4.  You can also use the pots for warm apple cider at other times!

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FEELING CREATIVE? Try some of the following yummy recipes!

MAKE SNOWMAN SOUP (See Hot Cocoa Gift and Poem Ideas at page bottom) 
Put hot chocolate mix in a cup.
Add hot water and mix.
Put in two Hershey kisses…stir again.
To cool off add an ice cube and then two or three marshmallows for the snowballs.
A Candy cane would a nice touch as stirrer.

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RECIPES USING HERSHEY'S HOT COCOA
Basic Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Hershey's Cocoa
Dash salt
1/3 cup hot water
4 cups (1 qt.) milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Miniature marshmallows or sweetened whipped cream(optional)

Directions:
1. Stir together sugar, cocoa and salt in medium saucepan; stir in water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil and stir 2 minutes. Add milk; stirring constantly, heat to serving temperature. Do Not Boil a second time.
2. Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat with rotary beater or whisk until foamy. Serve topped with marshmallows or whipped cream, if desired. Five 8-oz. servings.

VARIATIONS TO THE ABOVE: Add one of the following with the vanilla extract:

• SPICED COCOA: 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Serve with cinnamon stick, if desired.
• MINT COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon mint extract OR 3 tablespoons crushed hard peppermint candy OR 2 to 3 tablespoons white crème de menthe. (At home-for adults only) Serve with peppermint candy stick, if desired.
• CITRUS COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon orange extract OR 2 to 3 tablespoons orange liqueur. (Again-for adults only)
• SWISS MOCHA: 2 to 2-1/2 teaspoons powdered instant coffee.
• COCOA AU LAIT: Omit marshmallows or whipped cream. Spoon 2 tablespoons softened vanilla ice cream on top of each cup of cocoa at serving time. SLIM-TRIM COCOA: Omit sugar. Combine cocoa, salt and water; substitute nonfat milk. Proceed as above. With vanilla, stir in sugar substitute with sweetening equivalence of 1/2 cup sugar.
• CANADIAN COCOA: 1/2 teaspoon maple extract.
• MICROWAVE SINGLE SERVING: Combine 1 heaping teaspoon Hershey's Cocoa, 2 heaping teaspoons sugar and dash salt in microwave-safe cup or mug. Add 2 teaspoons cold milk; stir until smooth. Fill cup with milk. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until hot. Stir to blend. From: hersheys.com

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EASY RASBERRY COCOA MIX
Ingredients:
3 cups instant hot cocoa mix
1 package unsweetened raspberry-flavored kool-aid mix
Combine all ingredients in a container that seals/closes tightly.
Shake until well blended.
 Store in an airtight container.
To serve: Stir 2 heaping tablespoons into a mug of hot water.

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HOMEMADE HOT COCOA MIX #1 
Ingredients:
3 c. non-fat dry milk powder
1/2 c. cocoa
1 c. sugar
Dash of salt
Thoroughly combine all ingredients.
Will make mix for 24 servings.
Can be stored in airtight container for two months.
For one serving - 3 heaping teaspoons and 1/2 cup hot water.
Source: cooks.com

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MAKE HOT COCOA MIX #2 
Ingredients:
2 lbs. can Nestle Quick powder
1/2 c. cocoa
2 c. powdered sugar
1/2 to 1 c. granulated sugar
7 c. powdered milk
2 1/2 c. Coffeemate
Sift all ingredients together. Makes 1 gallon of mix.
To make hot chocolate: put 1/4 cup mix to 1 cup hot water.
Source: cooks.com

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CHOCOLATE SWIZZLE NOG
A steaming mug of a rich, whipped cream-topping treat.
Makes 8 servings
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
1 (14-ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk (NOT evaporated milk)
4 cups milk
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or peppermint extract
Whipped cream or whipped topping

• In medium-sized saucepan, combine EAGLE BRAND®, milk and cocoa.
• Heat thouroughly, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
• Stir in vanilla or peppermint extract.
• Serve warm in mugs; top with whipped cream or whipped topping.
  Source: eaglebrand.com

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A FAVORITE HOT COCOA
Ingredients:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup hot water
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups milk
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix cocoa, sugar, water and salt in a saucepan.

• Over medium heat, stir constantly until mixture boils.
• Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
• Stir in the milk and heat, but do not boil.
• Remove from heat and add vanilla; blend well.
• Serve immediately.
  Makes 4 servings.

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PUMPKIN SPICE HOT COCOA

Serves six
6 cups of milk
6 packets of powdered hot chocolate OR ½ lb. of dark chocolate bits
1 1/2 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
Lots of whipped cream
Cinnamon

Heat milk to almost boiling. Place hot chocolate mix into mugs and thoroughly mix in ¼ T of pumpkin pie spice in each cup. Pour in hot milk and stir well. Load on the whip cream. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. Recipe and photo thanks to No Fuss Fabulous!

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MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE
Ingredients:
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
dash salt
1 quart milk (4 cups), divided
1/4 cup half-and-half
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
PREPARATION:
In a small bowl, combine cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Heat 1 cup of milk in a saucepan until bubbling.
Stir in cocoa mixture and whisk until smooth.
Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly.
Source Diana Rattray

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SNOWY WHITE HOT COCOA
Ingredients:
1 ½ tablespoons white-chocolate instant pudding mix
1 cup milk
Whipped cream
Combine pudding mix and milk in a microwaveable mug.
Heat  in the microwave for 60 seconds on high.
Top with whipped cream and/or crushed candy canes, if desired.
Source: Family Fun Magazine, Dec/04

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HOLIDAY COCOA
A spoonful of marshmallow creme tops steaming homemade cocoa with rich chocolate flavor and a hint of spice.
Start to Finish:15 min
Makes 6 servings (about 3/4 cup each)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened baking cocoa
1/3 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
4 cups milk
3/4 cup marshmallow creme
1. In 2-quart saucepan, heat sugar, cocoa, water, cinnamon and nutmeg over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 4 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Stir in milk. Heat over low heat. Pour cocoa into 6 mugs. Top each with 2 tablespoons marshmallow creme. Source: bettycrocker.com

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HAPPY HOLIDAY GOURMET HOT COCOA
Ingredients:

8 cups dry instant skim milk
4 3/4 cups powdered sugar (note: can use 1/2 Splenda & 1/2 icing sugar)
1 3/4 cups cocoa
1 1/2 cup Light non-dairy creamer
1 small package Low-fat instant chocolate pudding mix
1 box of 12 candy canes, pulverized
Combine above ingredients in a large mixing bowl and fold together well-- or place into a food processor and mix to make it a fine powder.
To Serve:
Mix 2 tablespoons in a mug of hot water, top with marshmallows ...can put a candy cane in cup as stirrer... Source: celebrating-christmas.com

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EXTRA RICH FLAVORED COCOA
The secret ingredient in this mix is the mini chocolate chips, which melts when combined with the boiling water and give the cocoa an extra-rich flavor. Ingredients:
2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/8 teaspoon salt
1. Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended.
2. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you're ready to use. Makes about 4 cups of mix.
3. Spoon 3 or 4 generous tablespoons of cocoa mix into your cup (depending on the size), add boiling water, and stir well.

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Not Cocoa but sounds fun for you at home!  PEPPERMINT PATTY MOCHA
Ingredients: 1 small (1-1/2 inch) YORK Peppermint Pattie
1 to 2 teaspoons milk
hot coffee
Whipped cream(optional)
 
Directions:
1. Unwrap candy and cut into quarters; place in large microwave-safe mug. Add milk.
2. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 30 seconds or until candy is melted and smooth when stirred. Stir in hot coffee until mug is almost full.
3. Top with whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately. 1 serving.

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HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOWS ...Your group may like to try this in a cooking activity!

(Or maybe your children at home?!) A lot of work-but may be fun!
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons (3 packets) powdered gelatin*
2 cups cold water
2 cups sugar
2 egg whites
2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted, plus more for dusting pan and marshmallows
Butter, for greasing pan

•  In a medium sized saucepan soak the gelatin in the cold water.
• After the gelatin has softened, approximately 10 minutes, add the regular sugar and then gently dissolve over low heat, approximately 8 minutes.
• Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
• In a mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks and then fold in the sifted confectioners' sugar.
• While the mixer is on low, slowly pour in the cooled gelatin mixture. Increase the speed and beat until white and thick. The volume should double in size and should form between soft and firm peaks.

Line an 8 by 8-inch baking dish with high sides with foil; grease slightly with butter and coat with confectioners' sugar. Alternatively, you can use a baking sheet, but the marshmallows will not be as tall. Pour marshmallow mixture in and top with more sifted confectioners' sugar. Leave out overnight or for at least 3 hours to set. The marshmallow should be light and spongy when set. (Loosen marshmallow from edges of tray and invert onto a large cutting board. Peel off foil and use a large knife to cut the marshmallows into cubes. Dredge each piece in confectioners' sugar.
(Yep, reading it again-there's some work to it!) Source: foodnetwork.com

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COCOA MIX GIFT #1  FOR A WINTER DAY...

Materials:
Small glass jar (baby food size)
1 serving of hot cocoa mix
About 1/4 cup of small marshmallows
4-inch or larger fabric scrap (depending on the size of your jar)
18" length of ribbon
Glue
Hershey Kiss candy
Small wrapped candy cane
Card

Directions:
Clean the jar and dry it well. Measure a one-cup serving of the hot cocoa mix into the jar. Fill the jar to the top with small marshmallows. . Cut the fabric scrap into a circle. Center the fabric circle on top of the jar lid. Tie the ribbon around the edge. Glue the Hershey Kiss on top of the fabric cover. Glue the candy cane to the side of the jar. Write a personal note and draw a candy cane or other symbol on the card.

Include simple directions like the following:
"Here's a little gift to warm you up on a cold afternoon. Simply pour this jar of cocoa mix into a mug filled with 6 to 8 oz. of hot water. Top with marshmallows and drop in the Hershey Kiss. Stir with the candy cane and enjoy!"

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COCOA GIFT #2 (SNOWMAN SOUP) WITH POEMS

Place in a clear plastic bag...
1 individual pack hot chocolate mix
3 Hershey's chocolate kisses
10-15 mini-marshmallows
1 small candy cane

Add one of the following poems...

COCOA POEM #1
When the weather outside is frightful,
Snowman Soup can be delightful.
May it warm your spirit and your soul.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

When you feel a chill or 'burrrrrr',
Use the peppermint stick to stir.
Add hot water and sip it slow.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.
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POEM #2 When it's so cold that you holler and whoop,
It's time to bring out the Snowman Soup!

Pour the packet in a mug. Add marshmallows too.
And throw in these kisses that are special just for you.

Now add some hot water and use the cane to stir it.
Sip slowly and soon you'll feel the warm winter spirit!
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COCOA POEM #3

A little cup of cocoa, I'm sending your way,
For you to sip and enjoy, On some cold lonely day.

As you sip this cocoa, It's warmth will warm your heart...
Just like our friendship warmed mine, Right from the very start.

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HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Random Winter Ideas
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 

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