As the winter chill settles in and snowflakes dance outside the window, there’s a special kind of excitement in the air in our classroom. It’s Snowman Week, a time dedicated to exploring the magical world of snowmen and integrating a variety of learning opportunities for our curious little minds. This week-long adventure not only captivates the students’ imaginations but also provides a rich environment for inquiry-based learning.
Setting the Stage:
The classroom is transformed into a winter wonderland with engaging activities at every turn. Each table is dedicated to a unique snowman-themed exploration, ensuring that every child finds something that sparks their curiosity. From literacy to math, sensory play to art, Snowman Week encompasses a wide range of learning experiences.
Literacy Table – Snowman Alphabet Bump:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Snowman-Alphabet-Bump-10808441
At the literacy table, students dive into the world of letters with the Snowman Alphabet Bump. This interactive game not only reinforces letter recognition but also encourages collaboration and friendly competition. As children engage with this activity, they build a foundation for early literacy skills while having fun.
Math Table – Mini Dice Snowman Bump:
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Snowman-Bump-Math-Game-10808354
Over at the math table, excitement is brewing with the Mini Dice Snowman Bump. This game introduces the concept of counting and strategizing, all while building adorable snowmen. The mini dice add an element of surprise and challenge, making math a joyous experience.
Art Table – Creative Snowman Masterpieces:
Creativity takes center stage at the art table, where students express themselves through Snowman art projects. Drawing inspiration from their Monday-directed drawing session, the class collaborates to create unique and imaginative snowmen. The emphasis on creative expression allows each child to showcase their individuality.
Sensory Bin – Fake Snow Adventure:
The sensory bin is transformed into a snowy landscape with the introduction of fake snow. As children explore this wintry texture, they engage their senses, fostering sensory development and imaginative play. The sensory bin becomes a miniature snow world where students can build, mold, and explore the magic of winter.
Daily Soft Start and Letter of the Week:
The day begins with a soft start at table time, offering students the freedom to wander and explore the various materials set out on the tables. This week’s focus is on the letter “M,” providing a platform for brainstorming and creative activities related to this letter. Playdough becomes a tool for shaping both uppercase and lowercase “M’s,” as well as crafting items that start with the chosen letter.
Monday’s Directed Drawing:
Mondays kick off with a directed drawing session, promoting active listening and following directions. This week’s masterpiece? Snowmen! The collaborative drawing session allows students to work together, share ideas, and develop their artistic skills.
Adaptability and Student Interests:
Flexibility is key in our classroom, and this week was no exception. Despite initial plans for a snowman-themed dramatic center, the students’ keen interest in playing doctor led to a spontaneous setup of a hospital dramatic play area. This adaptability ensures that learning remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving interests of the students.
Counting Safari – Math Exploration:
While the overarching theme is snowmen, the week also aligns with ongoing math skill development. The “Counting Safari” activity takes center stage, offering various counting collection bags, each adorned with different animal stickers. This clever integration of counting and animal recognition keeps the students motivated as they embark on a safari of mathematical exploration.
We finished the week off with an exploration into wet felting with a final project that we can use in our loose parts play in the weeks coming up. We created our mats out of felt and layered smaller pieces on top and added hot water and rubbed it all together!
Conclusion:
Snowman Week isn’t just about snowmen; it’s a holistic approach to learning that incorporates literacy, math, art, and sensory experiences. By fostering an environment of inquiry and adaptability, this themed week becomes a memorable journey through the winter wonderland, igniting curiosity and laying the foundation for a love of learning that extends beyond the snowy season.
Kindy Play 