Inside: This printable color matching snowman is a fun prop to use during circle time, especially while reading the book Colors in the Cold. A fun way to work on color recognition skills!
You know when you find that perfect book that you know will keep your toddlers engaged?
That’s exactly how I felt when I discovered a simple winter color recognition book called Colors in the Cold.
In this book, a snowman needs to be dressed, and each piece of clothing is a different color.
I decided to create a printable prop that would be a fun visual as we, too, dressed our snowman.
I just knew it would be perfect for our snowman theme, plus I could work on simple counting skills, too.
Such a great addition to our winter circle time!
❄️ Scroll towards the bottom of this page to find the link to the free download!
Printable Color Matching Snowman for Toddlers
Circle time with toddlers can be a challenge.
There, I said it.
And even after 22 years of teaching this age group, I still have those days where trying to get – and then keep – their attention can be super hard.
Especially those days where they seem to have even more energy than usual. (How can that even be possible? And can I please have some of it?)
However, my challenging circle times are far less these days thanks to some tips I’ve learned along the way.
I won’t go into lengthy detail here, but will give you my top resources if you’d like to know my secrets:
My Secret to a Successful Circle Time
The Best Preschool Circle Time Tips
But I will share one very important tip:
use props.
Props grab the children’s attention, pulling them in, keeping them engaged.
I always keep this in mind when I put together a circle time activity.
That’s why when I found Colors in the Cold, I created a printable snowman that we could assemble after reading the book.
Assembling the Printable Color Matching Snowman for Toddlers
What you will need:
- Laminator (optional)
- Scotch tape
- Velcro
- Craft Sticks (I personally love the jumbo 8″ sticks, but that’s just my preference)
- Printable snowman props (scroll down to find the link)
I suggest either printing these on heavy paper or laminating them for extra durability. (I chose to laminate all my pieces, as I plan to use them for years to come.)
Preparation:
Cut out all the pieces.
For the already-dressed snowman, tape him to the craft stick.
For the undressed snowman, put velcro pieces where the clothing will be attached. (Hat on head, carrot on face, etc.)
Be mindful that the hook and loop both must be used in order for the pieces to attach. (For example, use loop velcro on the snowman and hook velcro on the pieces.)
CLICK HERE to find free circle time props for the entire year!
Color Matching Winter Circle Time Activity
What you will need:
- Fully dressed snowman stick prop
- Undressed snowman
- Snowman pieces
- Colors in the Cold book
The activity:
Gather your toddlers at circle time.
Show them the snowman stick prop, pointing out all its features.
Then, read the book.
After the book is read, show the children the snowman stick again.
Hold up the undressed snowman and tell them that they will help you dress the snowman.
(I put my snowman on a clipboard for easier handling.)
While dressing the snowman, ask the children what colors the pieces are.
When finished, compare to the snowman stick.
Do they look the same?
Then, open the book again and compare the pieces to those in the book.
Ask the children what the piece is and its color.
Table Activity
When finished, place everything at a table and invite the children to dress the snowman.
Teaching virtually?
I originally created this activity to do with my 2 and young 3 year olds while teaching virtually.
Basically I did the same as I would do in-person, except in front of a computer screen.
The stick and the clipboard make it easier to maneuver everything in such a small area.
See how vibrant the colors are through the screen? Props that are easy to see draw the children in, making a better connection.
Check out more of online resources on my virtual teaching resource page.
Get your free printable:
Thank You for sharing your fabulous ideas!!
Happy to do so!