1-2-3 Come Do Some Snowman Writing Prompt Crafts With Me
Do you read the story “Snowmen At Night” by Carolyn Buehner?
It’s one of my students favorites, so I thought I’d make a quick, easy and fun little writing prompt craftivity for them to transition to after our story time.
So you can use this snowman for other stories, I’ve included non-titled patterns for versatility.
Little ones can simply make the snowman, while older students can add a writing prompt on the back, as seen in my sample, where I wrote what the snowmen in the story did at night.
Other prompts could be: "If I were a snowman I would . . .", "I built a snowman and at night he . . ." or "This is how you build a snowman:"
Completed projects make a sweet winter bulletin board, and prompts look terrific twirling from the ceiling.
There are 2 circle snowman patterns, as well as a blank-faced snowman, so children can draw their own, coloring with markers and crayons.
For fine-motor cutting practice, I’ve also included pattern pieces that you can run off on a variety of bright colors.
Children trim, arrange and glue them to their blue “night sky” circles to create a vibrant contrast.
I’ve also included a rectangular “color cut & glue” snowman option, with 2 writing prompt worksheets for the back. (See cover photo.)
For extra pizzazz and that finishing touch, my students absolutely love adding some snowflakes to the background using mini “porcupine balls” or Q-tips dipped in white paint.
Besides writing prompt fun, I wanted students to be able to retell and sequence the story, so I designed some craftivities, which practice those standards in an interesting and fun way.
Completed projects make a really cute bulletin board, or look super dangling from the ceiling.
I’ve included 2, “Snowmen at Night” posters to use with your display.
There are 4 options for the crafty “danglers”, so that you can diversify ability levels, or give your students a choice.
My personal favorite is the single snowman.
Students color, cut & glue the top of the snowman to the oval "tummy" section, which features graphics for all of the things that the snowmen did in the story.
Ater students color them, they use their dangler as a fun way to retell the tale.
For writing practice, and to check comprehension, older students can list the things the snowmen did at night on the back of their project.
Another option, has large snowflake "snowballs" with a graphic on each one, that are glued back-to-back and dangle from a trio of snowmen.
Students choose one of two picture options; then color, trim & glue to a sheet of royal blue construction paper, which adds that touch of "night".
Besides making the craft, older students can practice their comprehension and writing skills, by explaining what the snowmen did at night on the back of their project.
I’ve included 2 writing prompt worksheets you can use for this.
If knot tying is too difficult for you kiddos, have them twist half a pipe cleaner into a ring and attach that way, or use the smaller snowballs, and have students arrange them in sequential order around the poster.
You can also use these smaller snowballs, along with a different, circular "topper" to create yet another "dangler" option.
As with the larger craftivity, these are also glued-back-to-back, so that different images of what the snowmen do at night are visible as the mobiles swirl & twirl.
To check comprehension, make an extra set of “snowballs” (large or small options), laminate, trim and use as an independent center, where students arrange the circle graphics in the correct sequential order of the story.
You could also add a magnet dot on the back, pass them out to students, then sequence the story on your white board after you read it.
Finally, make a “Let’s Sequence the Story” Itty Bitty booklet by collating the mini snowball graphics and adding the cover.
The activities are different enough so that you can do several.
I sometimes get requests to make one of my storytelling "sliders" for a particular book; and was happy to whip one up for Kara in Wisconsin for "Snowmen At Night".
Sliders are another quick, easy & fun way for students to sequence and retell a story.
There are two options in this packet, along with a "Here's What Happened" and "Let's Sequence the Story" worksheets.
There are two featured FREEBIES today!
Since Monday is Martin Luther King Day, one FREEBIE is a set of MLK bookmarks.
Surprise students by leaving one on their desk, or give them a choice and have them use the bookmark to jumpstart a writing prompt about Martin Luther King.
The other FREEBIE, is a writing prompt craftivity, which makes an awesome winter bulletin board.
Simply cut strips in a variety of construction paper colors.
Children glue them together to make a snowflake, then complete the MLK prompt:
"I have a dream too. My dream is . . ." or "Like snowflakes, we are all different and unique, as well as the same because . . ."
Any other winter writing prompts would also work.
Well that's it for today. Thanks for popping in. I'm watching my grandchildren today so it's time to put my Nana hat on.
I have a new batch of Play-Doh I know they'll be thrilled with, plus we're going to make snowman cookies.
Wishing you a fun day filled with giggles galore & lots of snuggly hugs.
"In the cookies of life, children are the chocolate chips."