Looking for a fun, no-prep winter activity that gets students moving and helps build important skills? Try a paper snowball fight in occupational therapy sessions! It’s a great way to work on fine motor, gross motor, visual perception, and emotional regulation all at once—and it’s sure to be a hit! Looking for a fun way to review content before a test? Turn your word problems, study questions, and definitions into an exciting paper snowball fight that gets students moving while reinforcing key concepts!
What You’ll Need:
- Large piece of white bulletin board paper or white copy paper
- Markers, crayons or pencils
- Recycling bin (for making “baskets”)
How It Works:
Start by using a large sheet of white bulletin board paper to practice writing skills. Students can doodle, work on cursive signatures, write sight words, or practice full sentences. Drawing is also a great way to improve fine motor coordination. Once the writing and drawings are done, rip the paper into pieces, crumple them into snowball-like shapes, and throw them at each other. At the end, try to make “baskets” by tossing the snowballs into the recycling bin. This is a fun way to get active while practicing gross motor skills!
Small Group Version:
This activity works great for a small group. Students can doodle, practice cursive writing, work on sight words, or draw on the large piece of paper or white copy paper. Afterward, they rip the large paper into pieces, crumple them into snowballs, and throw them at each other. If using individual paper they just crumple their own papers. At the end, the goal is to make “baskets” by tossing the snowballs into the recycling bin. It’s a fun way for students to interact and practice fine motor and gross motor skills while working on communication and teamwork.
Individual Version:
In individual counseling sessions, this activity can be used to help students process emotions. Some students may write down things they are frustrated about and rip up the paper, which helps them release some anger. By the end of the session, they’re often laughing and ready to return to class feeling lighter. This version encourages emotional regulation in a fun and therapeutic way!
Classroom Version:
This activity can also work well in the classroom. Have students write sight words, math facts, or anything else they’re working on on white copy paper. After writing, students crumple the paper into a snowball and throw it somewhere in the room. Then, they pick up a piece of paper, return to their desks or circle, and read it aloud to the class. Repeat the process! It’s a fun way to work on fine motor, gross motor, and sensory regulation all at once. Plus, it’s a great way to get students moving and engaged during lessons.
For an extra twist in the classroom, turn your word problems, study questions, and definitions into snowballs for students to retrieve! Simply write the questions or academic content on pieces of paper, crumple them into snowball shapes, and scatter them around the room. Students can take turns finding, throwing and retrieving the snowballs, uncrumpling them to read the content and answer the questions. It’s a fun way to review material while working on fine motor, gross motor, and sensory regulation skills. This activity is perfect for indoor recess, group work, or as a quick review session in the classroom!
Great for Indoor Recess:
Stuck inside on a cold winter day? This paper snowball fight is a perfect activity for indoor recess. It gives students a chance to burn off energy and stay active when they can’t go outside. Plus, it’s super easy to set up with minimal prep.
Occupational Therapy Foundation Skills Addressed:
- Fine Motor Skills
- Writing practice (cursive, sight words, and sentences)
- Drawing
- Paper ripping (improves hand strength and dexterity)
- Visual Perception
- Reading and writing sight words
- Eye-hand coordination during drawing and paper activities
- Gross Motor Skills
- Throwing snowballs (hand-eye coordination and upper body strength)
- Retrieving paper (movement and spatial awareness)
- Vestibular (Balance and Movement)
- Movement during the snowball fight (balance and coordination)
- Physical activity promoting overall motor development
- Emotional Regulation
- Expressing frustration through writing
- Releasing emotions by ripping up the paper
- Calming down through laughter and movement
This winter-themed activity is perfect for OT sessions, helping students strengthen their skills in a fun and engaging way. It’s also great for writing centers, morning work, indoor recess, or as part of emotional regulation activities. Plus, it requires no prep work, making it an easy choice for busy teachers or therapists.
If you’re looking for a way to bring more gross motor, fine motor, and emotional regulation activities into therapy or classroom settings, this paper snowball fight is a fun, low-cost option. It’s a great activity for when students are stuck indoors—whether it’s for therapy, indoor recess, or just a quick classroom break. Give it a try this winter for a fun, therapeutic experience students will love!
About the Author
I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) and have been working in a public school system for more than 25 years. My resources can be found on TPT, BOOM Learning, Made by Teachers, Classful, and Your Therapy Source. I appreciate your interest wherever you wish to shop.
My mission is to help you find creative ideas to incorporate fine motor, visual perception, gross motor, and social-emotional learning into your lessons.
I hope you consider signing up for my Free Resource Library with your Email. I send out emails about once a week and share resources, tips, and planning ideas for your classroom or occupational therapy needs. Hopefully, these help your students work on building their skills in a fun and engaging way.
Thank you for your interest in my resources and ideas. I hope you will consider following my journey on TPT or wherever you wish to shop.
