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Winter is officially here, and that means it’s the perfect time for hands-on seasonal learning. This Save the Snowman winter learning game is simple to set up, highly adaptable, and a huge hit with kids of all ages. It works for literacy, math, STEM challenges, and just-for-fun play.

If you want an easy winter activity that sneaks in learning, this one is perfect!

How to Make the Save the Snowman Learning Game

Supplies Needed

• Disposable Cup
• Colored Construction Paper
• Buttons for Eyes
• Small piece of fabric
• Paper Straws
• Elmer’s Glue Spots
• Bowl
• Markers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Decorate your cup as a snowman

To make the game, we first decorated our cup to look like a snowman. Add eyes, a carrot nose, a scarf, and any other fun details. Glue spots make this step incredibly easy—just peel, stick, and done.

Want to switch up the theme?
You can easily turn this game into:

• A Thanksgiving turkey

• A reindeer

• A penguin

• A leprechaun

• A spring chick

• A summer sun
  …or keep the cup plain and skip decorating altogether!

2. Write learning prompts on the straws

The straws become the “learning sticks.”

Write anything you want kids to practice:

• Sight words

• Alphabet letters

• Multiplication facts

• Vocabulary

• Spelling words

• Math facts

• Short reading prompts

You can also color-code them for different subjects.

(And yes—writing on straws is trickier than it looks!)

3. Set up the game

Use a bowl for the game.  Lay the straws across the top like a lattice.

Balance your snowman cup on top of the straws.

4. Play!

Take turns pulling one straw at a time and reading or solving whatever is written on it.

Keep going until the snowman finally tips over and falls into the bowl!

You can play for:

• Most straws pulled

• Fastest correct answers

• Team challenge

• Cooperative game (try to keep him from falling as long as possible!)

Why Kids Love This Winter Learning Game

• It’s hands-on

• It feels like a STEM challenge

• It works for any age

• It sneaks in academics

• It’s seasonal without needing real snow

• It’s quick to set up and repeatable all winter long

Great for:

• Literacy centers

• Math warm-ups

• Morning tubs

• Homeschool lessons

• Snow day activities

• Classroom parties

See More Winter Learning Ideas:

Winter Math: Snowman Fractions

Winter Craft ~ Watercolor and Salt Snowflakes

Winter Geoboard Pattern Cards

Winter Science: Fizzing Snowmen

Looking for more holiday learning ideas?  Check out my latest book: STEAM Kids Christmas.