How to Build a Snowman Writing: A Winter Sequencing Activity for K-2

Pull up a chair, because if you are planning December writing, you have probably searched for how to build a snowman writing ideas more than once. Sequencing is hard for little writers. They know what a snowman is, but ask them to tell you the steps in order and the story turns into one long "and then." Here is the how-to writing activity I would reach for.

Why a snowman works for how-to writing

Every child knows the steps already. Roll the snow, stack it up, add the hat and arms. When the topic is familiar, students can put their energy into the hard part, which is putting steps in order and writing them down with first, next, then and last.

What is inside

How to Build a Snowman Writing Activity is a printable PDF, 10 pages, for kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade.

• 1 snowman writing flipbook: a cover page with hat and arm pieces, plus first, next and last writing pages
• 12 sequencing cards with matching vocabulary on the back
• 1 sequencing mat, steps 1 to 6, to put the cards in order before writing
• Teacher notes for printing and using the cards

How it runs in a room

Start with the cards. Students put the 12 pictures in order on the mat and say each step out loud to a partner. The vocabulary on the back of each card gives them the words they need. Once the order feels solid, they move to the flipbook and write their steps, then build the snowman on the cover with the hat and arm pieces. It is low prep, so it works for a writing center, a sub plan or a December bulletin board. You can flip through every page in the How to Build a Snowman preview on TPT.

What teachers are saying

"This was a great resource to use for teaching how to sequence writing. My students enjoyed this and I found the visual were very helpful!" (TPT review, May 2025)

"This is a great resource for writing with my first grade students. It was just perfect for my use. Thank you." (TPT review, Feb 2024)

"Fun winter writing activity!" (TPT review)

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Pair it with these in my store

• Winter Creative Writing Prompts with Craft Activities for Bulletin Boards
• Winter Write the Room & Writing Prompts | January Writing Center K-2
• How to Writing Bundle | Procedural Writing Sequencing Activities & Flipbooks

Want more winter writing ideas? Read Winter Writing Centers for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade.

Get the snowman flipbook

Students who can tell the steps in order write more, and write better. If that is where your class is headed this December, this one gets them there.

Get How to Build a Snowman on TPT

Want my free editable lanyard class list? It keeps every name handy for fire drills and field trips, and you will get my new classroom ideas in your inbox too.

Yes, send my class list

Made by a teacher who's been right where you are.

Jessica Ann Stanford, Teachers Follow Teachers