How to Use Fake Snow in Speech Therapy
We must admit, this material cannot be claimed as our very own. We always talk about not reinventing the wheel - I mean, don't material ideas almost always derive from somewhere? However, we wanted to pay credit where credit is due… to the SLP I (Kristi) briefly shadowed during my senior year of undergrad in an elementary school special education classroom. She is the one who introduced me to using fake snow in therapy, well before I was an SLP. But it has stuck with me and I remember feeling so impressed by the way she used a single material to engage individuals of all ages and target numerous skill areas. Isn’t that the dream for us as therapists - to find that stimulating, multi-use material?
It may not be appropriate for all times of year and seasons, but it has become a favorite as the holidays approach and throughout the winter months. I bring you, fake snow!
Six Ways to Use Fake Snow in Speech Therapy (or in the Classroom)
Use in addition to reading a story
Winter-themed stories like The Story of Snow and Dream Snow can be accompanied by fake snow to add an extra element to the story. If reading in a small group in therapy or an entire classroom, this material can be passed around as the story is read.
Use as a sensory tool
Fake snow can be used to incorporate sensory play into any activity! It can also serve as a seasonal installment to your therapy or classroom sensory table/bin. Add small arctic animals to it for additional tactile features.
Use when developing describing words/sentences
Get hands-on when working on descriptive elements! Questions you can ask include, “How does it feel?” “Is it smooth or rough?” “Are the pieces small or large?” “How is it different from real snow you have seen/felt?” “How is it the same?” Describing goes far beyond just looking!
Use when targeting sequencing or following directions
Create the snow with the individuals you are working with. Use sequencing cards (you know we love our sequencing) as a guide to making the snow and have the individual/group place the cards in the correct order before beginning. This task can also be used to follow an assortment of single or multi-step directions.
Use to elicit oral or written narratives
Introduce the fake snow as a material during “share time” or when introducing a writing prompt. Prompts can include statements/questions like, “Tell us about a time you saw snow,” or “What do you think it would be like to see snow for the first time?” It's a great way to target verbal or written expression.
Use as a reward in therapy
Fake snow is a fun novelty item (especially for those who grew up in Florida and never got to experience the real deal)! Use it as a reinforcer or incentive at the conclusion of a session. It rarely disappoints!
Where to Buy Fake Snow
Find top-rated fake snow products and customize based on how much you need!
*All advertised as non-toxic by the distributor
How to Make Your Own Fake Snow
The Elf on the Shelf website provides 5 different ways to make quick and easy fake snow with a variety of household materials. Check it out!
If you do this - we hope it's a blast! We always like to remind our readers that while we tend to describe therapy uses for most of our materials, they can also be used at home!
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