This month, the children collaborated as a group to construct a snowman in our playground, engaging in a hands-on outdoor learning experience. To begin, the children learned and practiced how to roll and shape large snowballs, developing their gross motor skills and understanding of cause and effect. With guidance and support from educator Sophia, the children worked together to carefully stack each snowball, successfully forming the snowman’s body.
Once the structure was complete, the children participated in a group discussion to plan the snowman’s features, encouraging creativity, communication, and problem-solving. They shared ideas about what materials could be used for the eyes, arms, and other details. Charlie suggested, “He needs a hat,” and enthusiastically offered his own, placing it on the snowman’s head. Other children independently gathered sticks from the ground to create the arms, while smaller sticks were used for the eyes.
There was considerable discussion surrounding the snowman’s nose, with the children concluding that a carrot would be the most suitable choice. Educator Courtney explained that she could bring a carrot from home; however, due to milder weather the following day, the snowman had melted. Despite this, the children remained enthusiastic and reflected positively on the experience.
Throughout the activity, the children were inspired by Frosty the Snowman, which enhanced engagement and imaginative play. Each child took on a role within the group, promoting teamwork, cooperation, and a sense of shared accomplishment. Overall, this activity provided meaningful opportunities for outdoor exploration, social interaction, and experiential learning.
