The holiday season is a wonderful time to engage in fun, creative activities that not only celebrate the season but also support development. If you’re seeking sensory-friendly craft ideas for children, with autism, look no further than the Paper Plate Snowman! This simple yet engaging craft combines tactile and visual elements, making it a great choice for children who benefit from sensory activities. It’s also perfect for incorporating into ABA therapy or as part of autism behavior support strategies.
Why the Paper Plate Snowman is a Sensory-Friendly Craft
The Paper Plate Snowman craft is designed to be both fun and beneficial for children with sensory sensitivities. Sensory-friendly crafts like this can be a great tool for creating a calming, enjoyable experience while also encouraging creativity and motor skills.
Materials Needed:
- Paper plates
- Cotton balls
- Markers
- Construction paper (for accessories like scarves and buttons)
- Glue
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with a Paper Plate: Begin by using a paper plate as the base of your snowman. The round shape mimics the body of the snowman, and it’s a simple starting point to work with.
- Add Cotton Balls: Use a handful of cotton balls to glue onto the plate. This step focuses on the tactile sensory experience, as the soft cotton balls resemble snow and provide a soothing texture for children to explore.
- Decorate with Markers and Construction Paper: Once the cotton balls are in place, encourage children to use markers to draw the snowman’s face and accessories, like a carrot nose, eyes, and buttons. They can also cut out scarves, hats, and buttons from construction paper and glue them onto the snowman. This step engages children’s visual senses, helping them to focus on colors, shapes, and details.
- Final Touches: You can add extra festive details with stickers or glitter for a little holiday sparkle, but the key is making the craft process fun and accessible.
The Benefits of the Paper Plate Snowman Craft
1. Tactile Stimulation: The act of gluing cotton balls onto the paper plate helps children develop their fine motor skills while offering a satisfying, soft texture to touch. For children with autism, engaging in activities that involve sensory-friendly materials can help them feel more comfortable and focused.
2. Visual Engagement: Using markers, construction paper, and other colorful accessories encourages visual processing. The bright colors and simple shapes allow children to practice recognition and creativity in a fun and festive way.
3. Improved Focus and Relaxation: Working on a tactile craft like this can be a calming activity for children who benefit from ABA therapy. The process of carefully adding cotton balls, coloring, and decorating can improve concentration and provide a soothing routine, which is helpful for children with autism.
4. Promotes Fine Motor Skills: The simple actions of gluing, coloring, and cutting help children refine their fine motor abilities. These skills are essential for writing, dressing, and other everyday tasks. By working on tasks that require precision, children improve their coordination and dexterity.
5. Supports ABA Services: Incorporating sensory crafts into ABA services can be a great way to support learning goals in a hands-on way. This activity can be used to reward positive behavior, build attention span, and even as a part of social skills practice when working in a group.
How This Craft Can Support Autism Behavior Support
The Paper Plate Snowman craft is a perfect addition to your autism behavior support toolkit. It encourages engagement through sensory input while helping children develop social and motor skills. For children receiving ABA therapy, crafts like this can serve as a calming break from more structured tasks while still reinforcing learning objectives. Additionally, incorporating sensory-friendly materials like cotton balls can help children feel more at ease, especially those who are sensitive to other types of stimuli.
In a group setting, this craft can also serve as an opportunity to practice turn-taking, following instructions, and cooperative play, all of which are key areas addressed through ABA therapy. Whether used as a fun way to celebrate the season or as a targeted therapeutic activity, the Paper Plate Snowman is an easy, enjoyable craft with lasting benefits.
If you’re looking for a holiday craft that’s engaging, sensory-friendly, and provides developmental benefits, the Paper Plate Snowman is a fantastic choice. Perfect for children with autism, this craft provides tactile stimulation, visual creativity, and an opportunity for children to practice fine motor skills. Whether you’re incorporating it into ABA therapy or using it as part of your home routine, this simple craft is a fun way to bring holiday cheer while also supporting your child’s development.
