Ideas for where it snows and where it doesn't snow!

IS IT 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  WINTER '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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MAKE AN 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. If you can keep him outdoors--- have kids clothe him, put a carrot nose, stick arms, etc. If it's warm, place him in your sink. Can you refrigerated him in-between?

 

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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 (Science) 
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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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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SING...

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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Not quite sure where to place this idea...it's done inside~but gets you ready to go outside! Great for Pre-K and K...

PUTTING ON OUR WINTER CLOTHES
Sing to One Little, two Litttle Three Little Indians

First come your snow pants pull them on,
First come your snow pants pull them on,
First come our snow pants pull them on,
Are we ready to go? No!

Next come the tall boots put them on,
Next come the tall boots put them on,
Next come the tall boots put them on,
Are we ready to go? No!

Now comes your warm coat put it on,
Now comes your warm coat put it on,
Now comes your warm coat put it on,
Are we ready to go? No!

Next is your fuzzy hat on your head,
Next is your fuzzy hat on your head,
Next is your fuzzy hat on your head,
Are we ready to go? No!

Last are your warm mittens put them on,
Last are your warm mittens put them on,
Last are your warm mittens put them on,
Are we ready to go? YES!

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Read...SNOWBALL
by Shel Silverstein

I made myself a snowball
Just as perfect as could be.
I thought I'd keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.
I gave it some pajamas
And a pillow for it's head.
Then, last night it ran away,
But first it wet the bed!

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(A fun decorating idea)

FOOT PRINTS IN THE SNOW

  • 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 around 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 in hot oil until crisp. (About 30 seconds on each side) Absorb extra oil on paper towel. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. (Note from Barb: I just made the three in the image. My husband R loved them! They would also be great sprinkled with cinnamon sugar or drizzled with chocolate syrup over the powdered sugar. Children would not be able to fry them- but they could fold and cut them into 'snowflakes'. They could also sprinkle on the sweeteners. R has asked me to make them again! Grandkids also love them...)

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SWEET FLOUR TORTILLA SNOWFLAKES (Bake Method)

1. Depending on the size of the flour tortilla..(this one is large and the above were smaller) Fold it in half--and then in half again.
2. Cut out a 'Snowflake shape'--just as you would using paper.
3. Place on non stick cookie sheet and lightly brush with melted butter.
4. Bake in a moderately hot oven for 10 minutes for a sweet and crispy treat.( (If the snowflake is large and a little thicker--it may need an extra minute. Take out of over when starting to crisp and look golden.
5. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar. My grandchildren and husband like them also sprinked with a cinnamon/sugar mixture-- over the powdered sugar. Image by KidActivities.net)

NOTE: These can also be made using a snowflake cookie cutter! 

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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 17 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 OTHER 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 
• Reindeer Theme
• Snowflake Theme 

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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. (Or crumpled up paper) 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: Draw Snow ball, snowflake and icicle shapes on paper...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 SKATING 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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WINTER 'MAGAZINE' SCAVENGER HUNT

 

Materials:
10-12 magazines for each team
Scissors for each team
Construction paper
Glue or stapler

 
Create identicle lists of winter items.
Example: snow, mittens, gloves, ice skates, winter coat/jacket, sled, hot cocoa, ice, snowman, igloo, earmuffs, scarf, polar bear, christmas tree, holiday toys, a winter scene, Holiday food, etc.

1. Divide the players into two or more teams.
2. Give each team a stack of magazines, scissors, and a Scavenger list
3. Have teams search the magazines for the items on their list to cut out. Glue or staple to the construction paper.

The team has found the most items at the end of the time wins. (Remember this activity-it can be adapted to any other time of the year!)

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HAVE FUN WITH THE OTHER 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 
• Reindeer Theme
• Snowflake Theme

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 Updated January, 2013

 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 let me know via the contact page?)

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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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MAKE SNOW PAINT

Materials:
White glue
Shaving cream
Paper
Paintbrush

Measure equal parts white glue and shaving cream.
Mix the two ingredients together. It should be very thick and fluffy. Perfect for making a Snowman or winter snowdrift scene! (Kindergartener made for KidActivities.net)

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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 pieces 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 gluing 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: 9"x12" 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 (for the snow) on a drawn tree...

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'--however blog is no longer on line)

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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 (Snowball) 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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MAKE SCARVES: This is a craft that requires only the fleece fabric & a good pair of scissors! The pictures are not mine but shows you exactly what I'm talking about. Our students made warm scarves by buying lengths of micro-fleece and simply cutting them into strips. The end was then cut into fringe. The fleece does NOT unravel so does not need any sewing. 

It is available in unlimited colors and prints. All you need is approximately 8 to 10 inches wide by 3-5 feet in length (shorter or longer depending upon your preference). You can knot fringe pieces together, two by two, so that all of the fringes are knotted. If desired, slide beads (as in photo) onto the fringe and tie another knot, for added embellishment. (No name submitted)

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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 light corn syrup 

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

2. Assemble your diorama on the inside of the jar lid, and when you're happy with how looks, use super glue to stick all  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 corn syrup (about 1/2 and 1/2) and add some glitter. Corn syrup or glycerin will make the glitter fall more slowly. 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!

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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 or end piece. 
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 

NOTE: I've used this method with children to also make wrapping paper! (Barb) 

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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: Make cards with 'Winter Scenes', glue, salt

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

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  MAKE WINTER PUZZLES...

Collect and save the front of old Holiday cards with winter related images. To make the puzzle-- glue the card front onto card-stock.
With a black marker, draw several squiggle lines on the BACK SIDE of the card.
Cut the card following the lines.

Keep and mark the name of each puzzle in its own baggie.

 
#2 MAKE A MAGNETIC 'WINTER PUZZLE'...

This is KidActivities preferred method. Youth can keep the pieces in place as they put the puzzzle together. A magnetic board or a refrigerator work great for this! 

Find a 'Winter related' greeting card that is printed on stiff paper.
Take the front of the card and cut it into several puzzle pieces.
On the back of each piece, attach a small magnet or segment of magnetic strip.
The children can put them back together on anything that a magnet will stick to! (Activity and Image by KidActivities.net)

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HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

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

• Snowflake Theme
• Reindeer Theme
• 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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