Winter is the perfect time to bring a little extra sparkle and joy to your home, and what better way to do that than by creating beautiful popsicle stick snowflakes? This craft provides a sensory experience that can be beneficial for autism support. Activities like these not only foster creativity but also help enhance fine motor skills and overall development, all while providing a calming and enjoyable experience.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through making your very own popsicle stick snowflakes, as well as explore how this activity can benefit individuals receiving ABA therapy.
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Popsicle Sticks (wooden or colored)
- White, Silver, or Shimmery White Pipe Cleaners
- Glue (craft glue, hot glue gun, or tacky glue)
- Decorative Items such as:
- Glitter glue
- Gem stones
- Cotton balls
- Pom poms
- Buttons
- Sequins
How to Make Popsicle Stick Snowflakes:
- Start with 4 Popsicle Sticks: Begin by laying out 4 popsicle sticks in the shape of an “X”. These will form the base of your snowflake.
- Glue the Sticks Together: Use a glue gun or craft glue to attach the sticks. Make sure they are positioned securely so the shape holds. If using craft glue, allow the snowflake to dry thoroughly before continuing.
- Add 2 More Sticks: To complete the snowflake shape, glue two more popsicle sticks onto the “X” to form a star or snowflake pattern. Let this dry if you’re using craft glue.
- Time to Decorate!: This is where you can get creative! Use glitter glue, gemstones, cotton balls, pom poms, buttons, or sequins—anything that inspires you. This is a wonderful opportunity to practice fine motor skills, such as placing decorations precisely, and encourages decision-making when selecting colors or textures.
- Attach the Decorations: Use glitter glue or regular white glue to secure your decorations. Allow the snowflake to dry fully.
- Add a Hanging String: Once your snowflake is dry, flip it over and glue a short piece of string or ribbon on the back using a hot glue gun or craft glue. This will allow you to hang your snowflake on the tree, on a gift, or anywhere you like!
- Admire Your Creation: Once everything is dry, hang your finished snowflakes and enjoy the sensory beauty and creativity your child has poured into their project.
Benefits for Autism Support
Sensory Integration: The tactile experience of gluing, sticking, and decorating allows individuals to engage with different textures and encourages sensory exploration, which is a key component of autism therapy.
Fine Motor Skills Development: Placing decorations and glueing items onto the snowflake, help refine fine motor skills and encourages precision and control.
ABA Therapy Support: Activities like making popsicle stick snowflakes align with ABA therapy goals by providing opportunities for focus, attention, and following multi-step instructions. The repetitive nature of the process also helps reinforce structure.
Creative Expression: Craft activities like snowflake making allow individuals to showcase their creativity in a relaxed, non-pressured setting. They can explore color, texture, and design in a way that supports their unique communication and emotional expression.
Stress Relief and Calming: Crafting can also be a calming activity, especially if you use soft materials like cotton balls or glitter glue.
Social Skills: If done in a group setting, this activity can foster collaboration and teamwork, helping individuals practice social interactions. Sharing supplies, working together on the same project, and discussing their designs are all important social skills that can be reinforced in an ABA therapy context.
Popsicle stick snowflakes are an easy, enjoyable, and sensory-friendly craft that provides many benefits for autism support. Whether it’s refining fine motor skills, exploring different textures, or expressing creativity, this holiday project is perfect for both home and therapy settings. Additionally, these snowflakes make thoughtful gifts for teachers, family, or friends. The hands-on aspect of this activity will bring joy and a sense of accomplishment to children as they create their unique masterpieces.
With the support of ABA therapy and autism behavior support, activities like these can offer significant growth in both developmental and social skills. So, grab your supplies, start crafting, and let your child’s creativity shine through this delightful winter project!
Interested in more Holiday themed activities? Checkout our Blog page for more fun ideas like making Paper Plate Snowmen and Sensory Snow Globes!
