Have you ever played the game Simon Says? This snowman listening game is just like Simon Says with a fun, winter twist. The best part of the snowman listening game is that it can be used all winter in public schools, home centers, and faith-based programs.
Snowman Listening Game
While it may seem like just another fun game, kids are actually developing listening and self-regulation skills as they play this game.
As the snowman tells them what to do, kids have to listen carefully and follow the directions given. If you’ve ever played this game with kids you know how much more difficult it is than it sounds.
Kids have to wait to make certain movements until the snowman says; the waiting helps them develop self-regulation skills which are the key to future success in school.
This game can also help develop language skills. Encourage the child who is playing the role of the snowman to use complete sentences to support oral language development. For example, “Snowman says, clap your mittens!”
Snowman Game Supplies
- Black Top Hat
- Snowman Says game cards (free printable)
- Cardstock
- Scissors
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They usually have black top hats at party supply stores or even at Target in the Dollar Spot. (You can also use a brown lunch bag or snowy gift bag in place of the hat.)
I created the set of free printable cards for you; the cards have pictures to serve as visual cues for non-readers. Print a set (or more than one set) for your game. You can print the pictures on cardstock or glue them on index cards and laminate. The cards are in black and white to save your ink!
Place the prepared cards inside the hat. That’s all the preparation you need.
Snowman Listening Game Directions
Choose one child to be the snowman. Give the snowman a black top hat with the picture cards inside. Invite the snowman to stand in front of the class and select one card at a time to “read” aloud.
The students will listen to the snowman and perform the action he or she says. If the snowman does not say “Snowman says” and the students do the action they are “out.” Tell the “out” preschoolers to stand to the side for one or more turns. Allow them back “in” so they will still be engaged and not just watching.
After a few turns or when cards are all pulled, switch to a new “snowman” and continue the game.
Extension Ideas
I have to admit, my kids have never really called this “The Snowman Listening Game”, what they actually call it is “Frosty Says” probably because I always read the book Frosty the Snowman in the wintertime.
Read Frosty the Snowman to your class and call this game Frosty Says for a great literacy extension!
Another way to play this game is to print out six of the cards and place them in a pocket cube or tape them to the sides of a square tissue box. Children can take turns rolling the cube and doing the action rolled.
This game is also great fun for a winter theme party or celebration in your classroom.
Printable Snowman Listening Game Cards
The set of free printable cards to go along with this game to serve as visual cues for non-readers and second language learners. The cards are black and white for ease in printing. (You may want to print them on colored paper.)
Go to the image below to get the Snowman Listening game cards.
Snowman Listening Game Video
Fun Ways to Stay Busy When It’s Cold Outside
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