Snowmen are fun for science lessons also. What else can you think of that so easily works for “melting” and the impact of weather. Have you ever thought of a snowman as having a life cycle? Think of this: snow; snowball, stacking snowballs, dressing, melting, evaporation and it starts again.
Science
“Young children are born investigators. Children are curious problem-solvers, seeking to understand the world about them every day. Through early science experiences, these young learners explore, invent, investigate, question, discover and note changes in their environment. In doing so, they learn new words to describe and classify the world they experience, apply math knowledge, and use these tools to deepen their understanding of the world about them.”
Physical Science:
- Begins to experiment with objects whose motion is affected by pushes or pulls of different strengths in different directions
- Answers questions about the effects of pushes and pulls (e.g. pulls objects attached to a string, pushes objects with and without wheels, rolls objects, collides objects)
- Listens to stories, poems, finger plays about physical knowledge and begins to use vocabulary about speed, motion and stability in daily conversations
Earth Science:
- Using simple tools and guided investigation, explores differences in soil and water in different weather conditions and temperatures
- Describes temperature, weather and seasons using words such as rainy, cold, warm, sunny, and identifies items used for protection, safety, and enjoyment in different weather conditions
- Organizes weather related items (real objects or symbols) used in different weather conditions
- Makes simple observations about the sky and connects observations to what we do outside
I’m a Little Snowman (Tune: I’m a Little Teapot)
I’m a little snowman,
Short and fat.
Here is my broomstick,
Here is my hat.
When the sun comes up,
I melt away.
Down, down, down, down.
Oops! I’m a puddle!
-Author Unknown
Melting Snowman poem pdf: Not only does this connect to the idea of what a melted snowman looks like, but the tearing of the paper works for Fine Motor under the Physical Development Standard. This activity also support self expression.
Making 5 Little Snowman puppets (video): We used spoons for the supports of the snowmen puppets. Each child could structure their snowmen as wanted and decorate to their liking. You are able to bring math concepts naturally into the conversation as the puppets are built.
Five little Snowmen
Five little Snowmen standing in a line,
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
So fine!
Melt in the sunshine with a sigh!
We’ll see you next year!
Bye Bye!
(repeat the verse with four, then three, then two and then one snowman)
Blow that Snowball (video): Great activity for inside movement. All you need is a smooth surface, a straw and something light to blow. We used white pom poms as snowballs on the day of this video. I have also used cotton balls, but like the weight and response of the pom poms better.
Snowball Fight!!! (video): We have a solid rule of “No Throwing” inside. For a group that likes to be out and active, but the weather is keeping us in, how about an indoor snowball fight? We have sock blocks (odd socks rolled up into themselves) that are perfect for throwing inside. Most of them are white. Snowball fight anyone?
The idea for this Flying Snowman is shared by Rainy Day Mum. It works well with “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs which is a wonderful wordless snowman book.
Next section: Physical Development and Health
Return to Introduction and Welcome
FCCAM Training 