What’s in the Snow? This fine motor activity is a fun way for kids to explore a winter or snow theme in class. Learn all about the amazing animals that live in the North or South Pole with this free printable. The perfect addition to any preschool classroom.
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More Fine Motor Winter Activities to try
Young children will have so much fun developing their fine motor muscles with these other Winter theme play ideas. These are perfect if you need some indoor winter fun this holiday season.
- Threading Snowflakes
- Snowflake Sticky Wall
- Winter Cutting Strips
- Winter Pom Pom Fine Motor Mats (Free Printable)
- Styrofoam Snowballs Activity
For more ideas, take a look at these 20 Winter Fine Motor Activities.
Materials Needed
- What’s in the Snow Free Printable
- A tray
- Salt
- Paintbrush
How to set up the What’s in the Snow Fine Motor Activity
1. Download and print off your copy of the free ‘What’s In The Snow’ printable.
The printable contains images of animals that live in the polar regions, like polar bears and penguins. So you can use this fun activity as an accompaniment to any science lesson about polar animals. It’s a great opportunity to extend what kids have learnt during circle time.
The pdf comes in two sizes, so that you can pick which one fits your tray best. One is A4 and the other is A3 (but spread out over 2 A4 pages for easy printing). Head to the bottom of the post and click the blue button to get the digital download.
2. Tape the printable to the bottom of your tray.
A tray with an edge is best if you have one. It helps to keep all the salt contained and makes the activity less messy. I used my A3 sensory writing tray for this activity. I love how the handles don’t make holes in the sides of the tray, so everything is contained.
3. Pour salt (you only need a thin layer) over the tray until all of the animals are hidden.
You can also use flour, desiccated coconut, cotton balls, or anything else you have instead of salt.
Another idea I like is to use real snow instead of salt. Of course if you are going to use turn this fun winter activity into some snow play, then you’ll need to laminate the printable first so that it becomes waterproof. It’s a good way to use the winter weather to your advantage.
4. Use a paintbrush (or finger) to move the salt aside and uncover the animals hiding underneath.
This is a great way to get kids to develop a variety of fine motor skills, such as:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Pencil grasp or pincer grasp
- Hand strength
5. Enjoy learning.
As another alternative you can use this printable as part of a sensory bag. Simply fill a ziplock bag with shaving cream and tape it over the printable. Press and move the shaving cream out of the way to reveal the animals hiding underneath.
This sensory bag variation of this activity is a great mess-free option. Especially if you are doing this activity with toddlers and kids who still like to put everything in their mouths.
Are you going to try this What’s In The Snow Fine Motor Activity with your kids?
Don’t forget to Pin the idea for later.
This electronic file is for personal and classroom use only. It is not for commercial purposes. By using it, you agree that you will not copy or reproduce the file except for your own personal, non-commercial use.
Over 90+ pages of Winter themed play based learning activities and craft templates. Perfect for preschool and kindergarten.
