Cardboard Tube Snowflakes

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Here is a super easy winter STEAM activity. It’s part art, part math and part STEM. It is also very easy to set up and makes a great snow day activity for preschoolers and kindergartners.

Here’s how to get started

Grab all the cardboard tubes (toilet paper and paper towel rolls) you have.

I keep a stash of toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls in a large ziplock bag in my craft closet.

Also check out the Top Nine Items that I Collect for Crafts and Activities.

And if you don’t already have a stash of cardboard tubes start collecting today!

Mirroring

There are few ways you can do this activity. You can either create half a snowflake and then have your preschooler or kindergartner finish the rest.

They can use your example and try to copy it on the other side.

Build a Snowflake

Another way is on a sheet paper draw a few simple snowflakes for your little one. And then have them try to recreate them using the cardboard tubes.

Symmetry

This activity provides a great opportunity to discuss shapes and symmetry which are key concepts to understand in early math.

Help your preschooler or kindergartner to understand the concept of symmetry by letting them experiment with the cardboard tubes to create their own snowflake shapes. Tell them the only rule is that both sides need to be identical.

Language Development

This activity is also great for developing your little one’s vocabulary. Kids love learning big words! So do not be afraid to use more complex terms to describe things. They may not understand it right away but after you use the new word a few times in the context of an activity they will definitely pick it up quickly!