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The wonderful thing about the snowman listening game is that it may be utilized all winter long in public schools, home centers, and faith-based programs. Have you ever played the game Simon Says? It is just like Simon Says with a fun.
If you have ever played this game with kids, you know how much more difficult it is than it sounds. While it may seem like just another enjoyable game, students are actually developing listening and self-regulation skills as they play this game. Students have to listen carefully and follow the directions given.
This game can also help develop language skills. Encourage the child who is playing the role of the snowman to use complete sentences to support oral language development, such as, "Snowman says, clap your mittens!" Parents can help their child learn self-regulation skills, which are crucial for success in school in the future.
Snowman Game Supplies
- Black Top Hat
- Snowman Says game cards (free printable)
- Card stock
- Scissors
Party supply stores and Target's Dollar Spot usually carry black top hats; alternatively, you can use a brown lunch bag or a snowy gift bag.) I made this set of free printable cards for you, which include pictures to help non-readers understand the game. Print one or more sets of the cards for your game; you can laminate the pictures or print them on card stock. The cards are in black and white to save ink. Simply insert the prepared cards inside the hat.
Snowman Listening Game Directions
Select a child to be the snowman; give him or her a black top hat containing the picture cards; invite the snowman to stand in front of the class; after a few turns or when all the cards have been pulled, switch to a new "snowman" and continue the game. If the snowman does not say "Snowman says" and the students follow the action, they are "out." Tell the preschoolers who are "out" to stand to the side for one or more turns; allow them to return "in" so they will remain involved and not just observers.
Extension Ideas
Admittedly, our students at All Right have never truly dubbed this "The Snowman Listening Game"; instead, they refer to it as "Frosty Says." This is likely because we used to read Frosty the Snowman every winter.
Students can take turns rolling the cube and performing the action rolled in this game, which can also be played by printing off six of the cards and putting them in a pocket cube or taping them to the edges of a square tissue box.
This game is also great fun for a winter theme party or celebration in your classroom.
Printable Snowman Listening Game Cards
The set of free printable cards to go along with this game to serve as visual cues for non-readers and second language learners. The cards are black and white for ease in printing. (You may want to print them on colored paper.)
Conclusion
The Snowman Listening Game proves to be a versatile and engaging activity suitable for a variety of settings, from public schools to home centers and faith-based programs. Drawing inspiration from the classic game of Simon Says, this winter-themed adaptation not only provides entertainment but also serves as a valuable tool for skill development in young learners.
As children participate in the Snowman Listening Game, they unknowingly enhance their listening and self-regulation skills. The need to attentively follow directions during the game contributes to the development of crucial cognitive abilities. Moreover, the incorporation of complete sentences by the child playing the snowman role encourages language development, fostering oral communication skills.
Simple and affordable supplies, such as a black top hat and free printable game cards, make the implementation of this game accessible to a wide audience. The extension ideas, including variations like "Frosty Says" and the use of a rolling cube, add further excitement and adaptability to the activity.
Whether used in the classroom, at home, or during a winter-themed celebration, this game adds an element of joy and learning to the winter season. By combining fun with skill development, the Snowman Listening Game stands as a testament to the idea that education can be both entertaining and enriching for young minds. So, gather your supplies, invite the students to play, and watch as they enjoy and grow through this delightful winter activity.
