Insta-Snow Sensory Table

Winter weather can be unpredictable at best. Often, winter-themed lesson plans become tricky when it’s warm enough to play outside without coats. It might not even snow at the school’s location. Whether you have real snow on the ground or just dreaming of the white stuff, this Insta-Snow magical powder will be a hit!

What IS Insta-Snow?

The snow is a non-toxic polymer, similar to the material used in disposable baby diapers. It absorbs the water and fluffs up to look like real snow. It is relatively mess-free, always a plus! Also, it can be frozen and molded just like the real thing. While non-toxic, it is best suited for students old enough not to put it in their mouths.

Supplies Needed for an Insta-Snow Sensory Table

The supply list for Insta-Snow is remarkably short! All you need is:

• Insta-Snow Powder
• Water
• A container to mix it in!

You can buy Insta-Snow online or find it at a local craft store. It is somewhat expensive, so be sure to use one of those amazing 40% off craft coupons and/or a teacher discount!

Introducing the Material

During circle time, lead a discussion about all the clothes that some people need to wear to stay warm in the winter. Use a big box of winter accessories such as a coat, boots, hats, gloves, mittens, and a scarf as props. Alternatively, Insta-Snow is an excellent sensory addition for polar animals, holidays, or weather units.

Let It Snow!

Not every teacher has students that have ever experienced snow, or only see it very rarely! Since there may not be any real snow (yet!), the teacher can tell the students that “Magic Snow” is on the docket for the day! (Preschoolers love anything called “Magic,” and it has a nicer ring to it than “Insta-Snow.”) Of course, if there is snow outside, the project can be introduced as magic snow that they can play with that doesn’t even melt!

Older preschoolers can assist in making the Insta-Snow in small groups. Students can measure a scoop of powder into the bowl.

Next, they add the correct amount of cold water (about 2 oz per scoop).

Finally, wait a few seconds, and magically…Snow!

Here is a quick video showing the process. It fluffs into the snow so quickly!

Depending on the brand purchased, a small amount of powder, about 30 grams, should make a gallon of Insta-Snow. For reference, the small jar pictured in the video made over 2 gallons of snow and covered the bottom of a medium-sized sensory table. After the students convert the power, dump it all into the sensory table, add ice scoops from the dollar store, some plastic polar bears, and penguins, and let the students explore!

This snowy center is one that students remember for years. It also keeps them entertained for hours with no chance of frostbite!

Insta-Snow not available? “Snow” Problem!

Check out these fun snowy sensory tables!