Looking for a magical craft to spark creativity and fine motor skill development? This pipe cleaner snowflake craft is perfect for Frozen-loving toddlers and preschoolers! Simple to create and filled with sparkle, it’s a great way to keep little ones busy while embracing the frosty fun of winter. This activity also provides excellent opportunities to practice fine motor skills, pattern recognition, and creativity.
Materials Needed
Pony beads in blue, white, and silver (or other Frozen-themed colors)
Optional: Glitter glue or snowflake stickers for decoration
Overview of Learning Objectives by Age Group
Age 0-6mo: Observe colors and textures as caregivers model the craft.
Age 6mo-12mo: Explore sensory aspects of pony beads and pipe cleaners with supervision.
Age 12mo-2yr: Begin stringing pony beads onto pipe cleaners to develop hand-eye coordination.
Age 3yr-4yr: Create patterns with beads and twist pipe cleaners into a basic snowflake shape.
Age 4yr-6yr: Assemble a complete snowflake independently, incorporating advanced patterns and designs.
WINTER ACTIVITY Theme
Inspired by Frozen’s frosty aesthetic, this activity uses icy blues, sparkling silvers, and snowy whites to mimic the magical landscapes of Arendelle. It’s a winter wonderland craft perfect for Frozen fans.
Pipe Cleaner Snowflake Craft Instructions
Snowflake 1: Basic Pipe Cleaner Snowflake
Materials Needed:
3 pipe cleaners (white or silver)
Pony beads (blue, white, silver)
Activity Instructions:
Cut three pipe cleaners in half.
Cross two halves to form a “+” shape, then twist the center together. Add a third piece diagonally and twist until secure.
String pony beads onto each pipe cleaner arm, leaving ½ inch at the ends.
Bend the ends to secure beads.
Snowflake 2: Glitter Snowflake
Materials Needed:
Pipe cleaners
Pony beads
Glitter glue
Activity Instructions:
Follow the instructions for the basic snowflake.
Add glitter glue to the arms of the snowflake for a shimmering effect.
Snowflake 3: Hanging Snowflake Ornament
Materials Needed:
Pipe cleaners
Pony beads
String or ribbon
Activity Instructions:
Follow the basic snowflake instructions.
Tie a string or ribbon at the top for hanging.
Use these as tree ornaments or window decorations.
Benefits of Sensory Play
Fine Motor Skills: Stringing beads strengthens hand-eye coordination and pincer grip.
Pattern Recognition: Creating bead designs promotes early math skills.
Creativity: Designing snowflakes encourages imaginative thinking.
Calming Activity: Repetitive bead-stringing fosters mindfulness.
Week-Long Frozen-Themed Lesson Plan
Monday:
Watch clips from Frozen and learn about snowflake shapes.
Color Frozen-themed printable snowflakes.
Tuesday:
Create a basic pipe cleaner snowflake.
Play Frozen soundtrack and dance like Elsa.
Wednesday:
Make glitter snowflakes.
Practice counting with pony beads.
Thursday:
Assemble hanging snowflake ornaments.
Learn about symmetry using snowflake examples.
Friday:
Paint a winter landscape with watercolors.
Engage in sensory play with fake snow and Frozen character figurines.
Saturday-Sunday:
• Enjoy the full sensory play setup with all three snowflake crafts.
25 Vocabulary Words for the Frozen Theme
1. Snowflake
2. Ice
3. Elsa
4. Anna
5. Olaf
6. Arendelle
7. Frost
8. Winter
9. Snow
10. Beads
11. Glitter
12. Craft
13. Ornament
14. Frozen
15. Sparkle
16. Magic
17. Pipe cleaner
18. Pony beads
19. Symmetry
20. Chill
21. Icy
22. Kingdom
23. Creativity
24. Design
25. Twist
With this craft, kids can step into the magical world of Frozen while enjoying hours of creative fun. Let it snow, and let the crafting magic begin!