For an easier challenge: -Include Fruit Loops -Include candy melts -Include thick pretzel sticks
For a trickier challenge: -Include raisins -Include thin pretzel sticks
Follow-up Ideas
- Put "snow" (shaved ice) in your sensory bin along with carrots, buttons, hats, sticks, and gloves. Watch the children make their own snowmen in class!
- Have the children serve their own snack. Put the snack in the middle of each table and teach the children how to serve themselves.
Originating Idea
This is a great activity to pull out during the winter holidays. The students are not only becoming more independent by making their own snack, but their building their confidence and self-esteem by making something on their own. In addition, they get to enjoy a sweet treat at the end of the activity!
How to Make Activity
The teacher will put out enough bowls for every student on the snack table. She will then put two scoops of ice cream in each bowl. Then, on a paper napkin next to each bowl, she will place a spoon and chocolate chips next to each bowl. She'll put an additional napkin next to each bowl so the children have something to clean their fingers with, and she should keep a pack of baby wipes nearby to help clean up sticky messes.
How to Implement Activity
While one teacher sets up the activity, the teacher assistant will have the students sit on the carpet with her. They'll read the story "There's Snow-body Like You" together. Once the teacher is done setting up the activity, she will come to the carpet and wait for the story to finish. When the story is over, the teacher will say, "We have a special snack for us to enjoy today! We get to each make our own snowman to enjoy! Come to the table and have a seat!"
The children will then get up and find their seats at the snack table. They will then take their chocolate chips and place them on the ice cream to make their ice cream creation. Then, once their done, they are going to eat their ice cream with their spoons. While they are making their ice cream, the teachers should talk with each students and ask them questions about their snowman (for example, "What is your snowman's name?" or "What does your snowman taste like?"). After each child finishes eating her ice cream, she throws away her trash and then washes her hands and face. Then she will go into the play area for free choice time.
Once all the children are in the play area, the teachers will then clean the table with the three step solution. The teacher will then ring the bell and sing, "Five more minutes and then we're going to clean up!" After five more minutes, she will ring the bell again and sing "It's clean up time!" The children will help the teacher clean up the classroom, and then everyone will line up for recess in the gymnasium.