As we transition into the cold winter weather, our school-age 1 class has been having loads of fun engaging in outdoor snowy activities. However, some days the weather is just too cold, so we go inside earlier than usual. Some children enjoy playing in the snow so much, we thought why not bring the snow inside? Using a tuff tray and a shovel, Amber brought in a pile of snow for the children to engage with. We decided to mix in some fun colours and droppers with the snow. Using droppers with coloured water on snow provides children with a rich, hands-on learning experience. This activity strengthens fine motor skills, as children practice squeezing and releasing the droppers with control and precision. These movements help develop the hand and finger muscles needed for writing, drawing, and other daily tasks.
This activity also supports creative expression. Snow becomes an open-ended canvas where children can explore colour mixing, create patterns, and design their own artwork. This fosters imagination and encourages independent decision-making. One child said, “Look I made purple!” And pointed to the purple section of snow.
From a learning perspective, colouring snow naturally introduces early science concepts. Children observe cause-and-effect as they explore how liquids absorb into snow and how colours blend. These observations help build foundational scientific thinking skills.
Additionally, colouring snow provides valuable sensory experiences. The contrast of cold snow with warm colours, combined with the tactile action of using droppers, supports sensory development and can be both calming and engaging for young learners.
