Snow, snow and more snow!

For many of us on the East coast, the snow has been hitting us hard this Winter. Why not take advantage and get outdoors for some great sensory motor experiences:

1. Make snow angels - a wonderful proprioceptive, body awareness and motor planning activity


2. Go sledding - it does not get any better than this in terms of a overall sensory motor activity. You get vestibular input, proprioceptive input, muscle strengthening and motor planning.


3. Create snow sculptures - combines the the heavy work of packing snow, working on the hands and knees and creativity. Get out your sand toys to add to the fun.


4. Make a snowman - here is some serious pushing work along with heavy lifting. Add in some activities of daily living by dressing the snowman with a hat, scarf and mittens.


5. Snow targets - spray the snow with colored water and aim snowballs at the targets


6. Climb snow hills - Children LOVE to climb big snow hills made by a snow plow. They love to work their way all the way to the top only to tumble back down to the bottom. Simple activity but a work out.


7. Letter Writing - practice writing letters in the snow with a gloved finger or large stick. Try stomping out letters in the snow with your feet. If you know a child who presses to hard when he/she writes, try writing letters on paper on top of the snow. You have to press very lightly or the paper will sink into the snow.


8. Build a snow hill - Children love to shovel and scoop snow. Work together to create a snow hill. Try creating different sizes: small, medium and large.


9. Scavenger Hunt - create a list of a few items that you could possibly find outdoors where you are i.e. leaf, small stick and rock. The children have to dig in the snow to find the items. Do not hide them yourself. Just let the kids explore the snow.


10. Snowball challenge - Who can make the biggest snowball that will hold together which you can still hold in your hands? Who can throw a snow ball the longest distance? Who can create the tiniest snowball with just their fingers? Who can walk the longest distance with a snowball balancing on their head? Who can make the most snowballs in 30 seconds?

Adaptations: If you can not get out into the snow, bring the snow inside. Get a large plastic bucket and fill it with snow. Use kitchen utensils to dig in the snow. Put some on a cookie sheet and drive cars through a "snow storm". Build mini snowmen in the bucket and use toothpicks for arms. Put mittens on and transfer the snow to another bucket. Take measurements of how long it takes for the snow to melt. The possibilities are many.

Check out the electronic book Sensory Motor Activities for Winter for only $4.99

When the kids come back indoors, try some quiet activities from Print and Create Fine Motor Projects for Winter or Winter Step By Step Shape Projects