Snowflake puzzles in preschool

There are lots of snowflake ideas out there and at the end of this post, I have collected a few links to other ideas that I would love to try. But first, let me share with you this simple snowflake puzzle we made this past week.

The PreK children in this class were given a printout of a snowflake (I do not have a copy of this printout), some blue construction paper, scissors, and glue to get them started.

The children used their own judgement in this class to cut out simple construction paper shapes that will fit inside the snowflake pattern…

Then they glued the construction paper shapes onto the snowflake…

In the PreK class next door, the teacher had pre-cut the construction paper shapes…

I noticed that the children who cut their own shapes spent more time working to make sure the shapes fit in each space of the snowflake puzzle….

They would cut, visually measure, cut some more, and work out the positioning of each construction paper shape until they were satisfied…

When the children finished their work, they each printed their own name on their puzzle…

In the class where the pieces were all cut out for them, the children covered their snowflake more fully and although most of the children started out trying to fit the pieces into each section – I noticed that in the end, they tended to not worry so much about whether a piece fit here or there…

The same project with two different teaching approaches. This happens all the time! My message to all teachers as I observe their individual teaching approaches is to always keep in mind what the children are capable of doing and give them the opportunity to try.

Now here are some of those snowflake links I promised you….

Tired, Need Sleep : Crystal Snowflakes

The Artful Parent: Marshmallow and Toothpick Sculptures

Let’s Go Fly a Kite: Snowflake Matching Game

The Seeds Network: Popcorn Snowflakes

The First Grade Parade: Symmetrical Snowflakes

Frugal Family Fun Blog: Easy Snowflake Suncatchers

I Can Teach My Child: Puffy Snowflakes

A Little Learning for Two: Paper Snowflakes

The Honorable Mention: Q-tip Snowflakes

Alphamom: Plastic Berry Baskets into Glittery Snowflakes

Almost Unschoolers: Glittery Snowflake Window Clings

The Artful Parent: Bleeding Snowflake Tissue Prints

Frugal Family Fun: Tape Snowflakes

I am linking this post up with No Time For Flashcards!

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

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