Snow can be spectacular. It’s beautiful to see and can be lots of fun to play in. It can also be a lot of work! Having to get on our boots and hats and mittens because it’s so cold. And what if it doesn’t snow where you live? This simple play snow recipe gives you snow to play in all year round, without the cold! It’s also a fun learning tool that can be used to practice letters, shapes, numbers and more!
Things You Need
- Cornstarch
- Baking soda
- Mixing bowl
- Mixing spoon
- Teaspoon
- Water
- Measuring cups
- Tray or bin (something to put the snow into so we can play!)
- Cookie cutters (to play with – optional)
Directions
In the mixing bowl mix together equal parts cornstarch and baking soda.
Slowly add water one teaspoon spoon at a time. Mix thoroughly with a mixing spoon, then use your hands. You’ll be able to feel when the texture is right using your hands. The snow is ready when it starts to pack and can form a ball when squeezed.
Rub out any lumps with your hands and place inside a tray or bin. Remember to remind your little one before play time starts that all snow must stay in the tray – the tray is the only place it snows indoors. Now it’s time to play!
Little ones will might come up with own interesting ways to play with the snow, but here are some ideas to include some fun learning:
- Use cookie cutters to explore shapes, or make a certain number of shapes.
- Use your finger to draw letters, numbers or shapes in the snow.
- Pretend your hands are clouds to make a light snowfall and a heavy snowstorm.
- Make big snowballs and small snowballs. Using measuring spoons make snowballs of different sizes and put them in order. See how big of a snow ball you can make before it crumbles!
- See how many snowballs you can stack on top of each other.
- Make a snowman with your snowballs.
- Try using colored water when mixing your snow to practice colors.
- Try making tracks in the snow with toy animals. See if your little one can guess what animal made which tracks.
- Use the snow to make a shape on the bottom of the tray. Try spelling your name with the snow.
Store the play snow in a sealed plastic bag. When you take it out to play with again, you may need to add a bit more water to get the right texture again.
For more ideas for fun and learning with snow, try Caitie’s Classroom’s episode Spectacular Snow.
Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Original content © 2020 Super Simple. Not to be reprinted without express written permission. Terms of Service.
