Winter Math Facilitator Guide
Facilitator Guide
Winter Wonderland
Sensory Math
Grade 2-3 | Specialized Instruction
Time Frame
30 Mins
Objective
Students will physically add and subtract quantities using tactile "snowballs" to bridge the gap between concrete objects and abstract numbers.
Materials
- Fake snowballs (soft yarn or plush)
- Large sensory bin or tray
- Snowy Number Cards (provided)
- Snowball Math Worksheet (provided)
Why Sensory Math?
For students with significant cognitive disabilities, abstract math symbols (like + and -) can be barriers to learning. By using tactile "snowballs," we turn a math problem into a physical event. Adding snowballs makes the pile bigger; subtracting makes it smaller. This physical change is the key to conceptual understanding.
Sensory Prep Tip
If using "Instant Snow" or cold plush balls, consider cooling them in the fridge beforehand to provide a thermal sensory element. This increases focus and engagement for students who seek sensory input.
Tactile
Visual
Kinesthetic
Lesson Sequence
1
Winter Welcome
5 MINS
Welcome students to the "Winter Wonderland." Set the scene with soft blue lighting or winter music if possible.
- Introduce the fake snowballs.
- Demonstrate gentle handling (no throwing).
- Model how to move them into and out of the tray.
2
Sensory Exploration
5 MINS
Allow students to explore the snowballs in the sensory bin. This time is for regulating and acclimating to the material.
"How many snowballs can you hold in one hand? Does the snowball feel soft or hard?"
3
Guided Snowy Math
10 MINS
Addition:
"Start with 2 snowballs. Add 3 more. Let's count them all!"
Place number cards 2, +, 3, and = on the table. Guide students to match the physical snowballs to the numbers.
Subtraction:
"Start with 5 snowballs. Take 2 away and hide them in the snow. How many are left?"
Model "taking away" by moving snowballs to a separate "discard" pile or container.
4
Snowball Practice
5 MINS
Distribute the worksheet. For students with physical limitations, provide stamps, stickers, or high-contrast markers to mark their answers.
Modification: Pair with Peer Buddy Modification: Use Switch Access
5
Cool Down & Review
5 MINS
Review findings. Ask: "Which was easier, adding more or taking away?"
"You were all amazing snowball mathematicians today! We added snow to our pile and subtracted it away."
Snowball Math Worksheet
Snowball Math
Addition Subtraction
Name:
Date:
1
Add the snowballs!
=
Count all the snowballs. How many are there in total?
2
Take snowballs away!
5
-
3
=
Cross out 3 snowballs. How many are left?
Great job, Snowflake Mathematician!
