Winter 2013-2014 has arrived and it has not been afraid to show us who’s boss this year. Snow, wind, ice, and frigid temps have already graced us with their presence and getting outside is not always enjoyable. While some of us are not exactly fond of the snow, the kids love it! Building a snowman is a great way to enjoy the snow with them while targeting some speech and language goals such as sequencing, categorizing, and basic concepts.
Sequencing
Before going out into the arctic tundra that is Chicago, you can print off this worksheet to talk through, or sequence, the steps of building a snowman.
- Cut out the pictures and put them in the correct sequence in front of your child. Have him verbalize a sentence or two about the pictures. For example, “First, you roll a big snowball.” You can also give your child verbal models for extra support as needed.
- Have your child put the pictures in the correct sequence and then verbalize a sentence about each step.
- Place pictures face down in the correct sequence. See if your child can verbally recall the sequence without the visual support.
- Take it outside! When building your snowman talk about each step you’re doing, have already done, or will do next.
Categorizing
Categorizing activities helps with language formulation, language processing, word retrieval and vocabulary skills.
- Make a list of things that are cold like snow or white like snow. You can also make a list of all the activities you can do in the snow, months that it is cold, etc.!
- Have your child help you name and/or collect all the things that a snowman can wear – carrot for a nose, sticks for arms, etc.
Basic Concepts
Concepts are the foundational building blocks of language. They help your child express himself and participate in everyday routines. Some examples of these concepts are size, quantity, location, color, shape, and time.
- Talk about how big or small the snowballs are. Where is the biggest snowball? Where does the smallest snowball go?
- Talk about where parts of the snowman’s face or his accessories go. For example, “Where does his nose go? Above his eyes or below?” or “Where should we put his scarf? On top of his head or around his neck?”
- Discuss how many eyes or arms your snowman needs. How many pieces will you need to make his mouth?
- Point out colors, shapes, and descriptors such as “bumpy”, “soft/hard”.
