Preschool Learning Adventure - Building a Snowman

By Lynn Moore

Winter is the season when preschoolers wish for snow. Of course, one of the classic snow adventures for preschoolers is to make a snowman. Making a snowman is more than just an outdoor activity. Preschoolers learn teamwork and attributes as they build a wintery friend.

Preschoolers Learn Teamwork

Making a snowman is a lot of fun and a lot of work. From rolling the snow into small, medium, and large balls to gathering the pieces for the face and clothing this is definitely an outdoor adventure for a preschooler and his family. Preschoolers are just learning the concept of teamwork. As younger children, they typically engaged in parallel play when they played next to another child. Preschoolers in the three to five year old range, however, are ready to try some things together.

Preschoolers Learn about Attributes

Building a snowman is a learning adventure for preschoolers who are becoming aware of attributes. Attributes are the details of someone or something. The snowman’s body has the size attributes of small, medium, and large as well as the attribute of arms. The snowman’s face attributes include eyes, nose, and mouth. The snowman’s clothing attributes include hat, scarf, and buttons.

When preschoolers draw pictures of people, they often draw a face only or a face with only arms and legs. Building a snowman (whether in the snow or by drawing one on paper) gives attribute practice.

Preschoolers Build Snowless Snowmen

Some areas seldom have snow. Other areas seem to never have it at the times preschoolers are tired of being indoors and would love to jump into a wintery outdoor adventure. Try these ideas for building a snowless snowman.

Make a paper plate snowman puzzle. With a few additional pieces cut out of construction paper preschoolers will have hours of fun building and rebuilding their snowman. Remember to ask the question as you add each part: What (else) does a snowman need?

Make an edible snowman. Healthy snack snowmen and sweet treat snowmen are well-received by preschoolers who are looking for adventure at the table as well as everywhere else.

Suggested Snowman Books for Preschoolers

All You Need for a Snowman by Alice Schertle
The Biggest Snowman Ever by Steven Kroll
Decorate a Snowman with 35 Stickers by Cathy Beylon
Friendly Snowman by Catherine Shoolbred
Lisa and the Snowman by Coby Hol

---

Like this article? Get more like it in your inbox. Subscribe today to our free weekly newsletter.