Winter Fun for Speech Therapy: Snowman-Themed Books for SLPs
Winter is a magical time to incorporate seasonal themes into your speech therapy sessions. Snowman-themed books not only embrace the festive spirit but also offer countless opportunities to target speech and language goals. Here’s a roundup of some fantastic snowman-themed books and how you can use them to make learning fun and engaging for your students.
1. Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright
This humorous story about a snowman who keeps melting is perfect for targeting sequencing, cause-and-effect, and problem-solving skills. Each time Sneezy melts, his friends help him rebuild. Use this book to:
Work on sequencing with "first, next, last" visuals.
Discuss cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., "Why did Sneezy melt?").
Practice retelling the story using props like a snowman figure or pictures.
2. There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow! by Lucille Colandro
This quirky twist on the classic "There Was an Old Lady" series is a hit with young learners. The repetitive text and cumulative structure make it great for:
Building vocabulary related to winter (snow, hat, scarf, etc.).
Practicing articulation with repetitive phrases.
Developing prediction skills as students guess what the "cold lady" will swallow next.
3. How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace
A playful book full of imaginative traps and rhymes, this story is ideal for creative problem-solving and vocabulary building. Use it to:
Encourage students to design their own "snowman traps" and explain how they work.
Explore descriptive language with adjectives (e.g., slippery, frosty).
Target rhyming words and phonological awareness.
4. Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
Ever wonder what snowmen do after dark? This beautifully illustrated book brings imagination to life, making it perfect for:
Targeting past tense verbs (e.g., "They played," "They slid").
Practicing story retelling with a focus on temporal concepts (e.g., "at night," "in the morning").
Asking and answering "wh" questions.
5. Snowmen at Work by Caralyn Buehner
This sequel to Snowmen at Night explores the secret jobs snowmen might have. It’s a fantastic book for:
Expanding vocabulary related to occupations (e.g., baker, firefighter).
Practicing inferencing by asking, "What job do you think the snowman will do next?"
Creating a "snowman job chart" with students’ own ideas.
6. Snowmen All Year by Caralyn Buehner
What if snowmen didn’t have to melt? This delightful book takes readers through the seasons, offering opportunities to:
Discuss seasonal vocabulary and weather concepts.
Work on comparing and contrasting (e.g., "What’s different about snowmen in summer vs. winter?").
Target "if/then" conditional statements (e.g., "If it’s summer, then what might happen to the snowman?").
7. That’s Not My Snowman by Fiona Watt
This touch-and-feel book is a wonderful choice for younger learners or those with sensory needs. It’s perfect for:
Building vocabulary with textures (e.g., bumpy, soft, fuzzy).
Practicing simple sentence structures (e.g., "This is not my snowman because...").
Encouraging engagement through sensory exploration.
Tips for Using Snowman Books in Therapy:
Incorporate Crafts: Follow up with a snowman craft to reinforce vocabulary and fine motor skills.
Role-Play: Act out scenes from the books to build language and sequencing.
Use Visual Supports: Create story maps, sequencing cards, or picture symbols to aid comprehension and retelling.
Target Multiple Goals: Adapt activities to target articulation, fluency, or pragmatics alongside language goals.
Snowman-themed books bring winter fun to your therapy sessions. Whether you’re working on articulation or language skills, these books provide endless opportunities for creative and engaging lessons. Bundle up, grab a cup of cocoa, and let the snowman adventures begin!
Looking to extend the fun? Check out this Snowman-Themed Scavenger Hunt for an interactive way to reinforce language concepts, or dive into these Snowman Spatial Concepts Activities to target location words and positional understanding. These activities pair perfectly with your snowman-themed book lineup and will keep your students engaged all winter long!
