This adorable paper plate snowman is a fun part of any winter theme unit in preschool. Appropriate for even toddlers, your little one is sure to enjoy this winter craft.
While I strongly encourage process based art for toddlers and preschoolers, every once in a while we sneak in a real craft. Something that has specific steps to follow.
Not so that every paper plate snowman looks exactly the same, but because there is value to teaching children order. That if instructions are not followed, results may vary.
Or not work at all.
So during the first week of our winter theme preschool unit, my toddler preschool class created these cuties. Which happen to make the best little keepsakes for parents, by they way.
Materials for Paper Plate Snowman Craft
- two white paper plates, one dinner plate size and one dessert size
- bag of cotton balls
- liquid glue
- black construction paper
- orange construction paper
- scraps of fabric
To Make the Paper Plate Snowman Craft
- Begin by inviting your toddler to gently stretch out the cotton balls. For my younger 2’s, this was a challenge, but it was good fine motor work for their developing muscles. If the cotton balls get torn into pieces, that it ok. The purpose of the cotton balls is to create texture in the snowman. To make him look lumpy and uneven, like a real snowman.
- Use liquid glue to glue the cotton balls down onto the paper plates, both the dinner and dessert plates.
- Cut a rectangle from the black construction paper for the top of the hat. Glue down at to top of the dessert plate.
- Cut a second rectangle, longer and thinner to serve as the brim and glue down.
- Cut out two circles for coal-black eyes and glue down under the hat.
- An orange triangle for a carrot nose.
- Use a long strip of fabric for a scarf and glue down.
- Due to the weight of the glue and the cotton balls, staple the two paper plate together to form the head and the body of the snowman. Then, cover up the staples by pulling the cotton balls over them.
Enjoy!
I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.
[…] Fluffy Paper Plate Snowman Craft: Engage children in practicing following directions with this easy craft that involves using cotton balls and plates to create a delightful snowman. […]