Winter is here! ❄️ While the cold might keep kids indoors, it’s no reason for their energy to be cooped up as well! In fact, it’s the perfect time to get creative with activities that are both fun and educational. If you’re looking for ideas that will keep your child moving, learning, and having a blast, we’ve got you covered. From snowy crafts to winter games, here are 10 hands-on, active activities that will make speech therapy (and playtime!) more exciting than ever this winter.
1. Snowflake Hop (Musical Chairs with a Twist!)
Inspired by the classic game of musical chairs, this activity has kids hopping from snowflake to snowflake while following fun action commands (jump, clap, spin, etc.). Not only does it get them moving, but it’s a great way to practice listening, following directions, and learning verbs! Perfect for younger learners (Pre-K and Kinder). 🪑 🏃♂️❄️Read More Here! https://www.pinkoatmeal.com/snowflake-hop-winter-gross-motor/
2. Snowman Describing
Get creative with your little ones and practice using descriptors like "cold," "chilly," and "icy" as they draw their own snowman. This is a fantastic way for kids to explore synonyms and build their vocabulary. Bonus: You can even have them color-code word pairs and then take their snowman home to teach the words to family members! ⛄️🖍️Learn More ➡️ https://speechtimefun.com/low-prep-speech-therapy-ideas-for-winter/
3. Draw a Snowman Barrier Game
This winter activity is a fun challenge for kids as they practice listening skills, following directions, and understanding prepositions. It’s a win-win for speech and language development! Plus, who doesn’t love drawing a snowman? 🎨Discover More Here! https://speechtimefun.com/low-prep-speech-therapy-ideas-for-winter/
4. Marshmallow Toss
This game is simple but so much fun! All you need are mini marshmallows and a mug (or several). Kids practice their speech or language targets by throwing marshmallows into the mugs. The best part? They earn points for every successful toss! 🍡🎯Check it Out Here! https://www.speechtherapyideas.com/2019/01/28/marshmallow-toss-therapy-activity-3-different-ways/
5. Ice Skating with Paper Plates
Who says you need ice to ice skate? With paper plates on their feet, kids can "glide" around the room, practicing their speech or articulation targets as they move. It’s a super fun way to work on language skills while getting those wiggles out! ⛸️Find the Details Here! https://pocketofpreschool.com/classroom-winter-party/
6. Snowy Mountain Craft
This craft is perfect for kids of all ages. With construction paper, watercolors, and cotton balls, they’ll create snowy mountain scenes. You can also integrate language skills by having kids work on sentences like "The snow is white" or "The mountain is tall" as they craft away! 🏔️🎨See How It's Done Here! https://www.gluedtomycraftsblog.com/2017/09/watercolor-snowy-mountain.html
7. Make Snow Dough
Snow dough is a tactile treat! Make your own playdough (or use store-bought) and create everything from snowmen to snowflakes. This hands-on activity is perfect for articulation or language practice. You can even make a "snowball toss" game with the dough—endless winter fun! ❄️Get the Recipe: https://buggyandbuddy.com/white-playdough/
8. Icicle Craft
Pipe cleaners and beads make the perfect materials for creating sparkly, icy icicles! As kids string beads onto the pipe cleaners, they can practice saying their target words or sentences with each bead they add. Simple, fun, and great for articulation! ❄️✨Find the Craft Here! https://www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com/2019/01/easy-icicle-winter-craft.html
9. Snowman in a Bag
This sensory-friendly craft is a favorite! With shaving cream, cotton balls, and construction paper, kids will create a squishy, snowy snowman inside a plastic bag. It’s a fun, hands-on way to stimulate their senses while working on speech skills! ☃️Check It Out Here! https://www.ohmy-creative.com/winter/sudsy-snowman-kids-craft/
10. Snowman Snack Ideas
Kids love to get involved in the kitchen, and winter-themed snacks are a great way to model new words and phrases. From snowman-shaped apple snacks to pretzel treats, you’ll be practicing everything from “up” and “down” to “big” and “small” as you create these fun treats together. 🍏❄️Get Snack Ideas Here ➡️ https://fun-a-day.com/5-snowman-snack-ideas-kids/
Let’s Get Moving!
Winter can be a challenging time to keep kids engaged, especially when they’re stuck indoors. But by incorporating these active, hands-on activities into your speech therapy routine, you’ll not only keep their energy high, but you’ll also help them develop important language and communication skills. Let’s embrace the season, have some fun, and make this winter a time of learning through play!
Ready to try one (or all!) of these activities? Let us know which ones your kids loved most in the comments below! ⛄
Happy Winter from the Marigold Speech Team!
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