What Would Your Snowman Say? A Speech Bubble Writing Activity

A snowman with a brand-new face probably has something to say. “Where is my scarf?” seems reasonable. “Please stop borrowing my nose” has possibilities, too.

Adding one speech bubble to a finished craft gives young writers a small, playful task: decide what this character would say and help the reader know who is talking.

Build a character first

The Build Your Own Frosty the Snowman craft includes black-and-white printable pieces for coloring, cutting, and assembling. Let children make their snowmen, with cutting support as needed. Save the writing for a separate short session if the craft has already used up everyone’s concentration.

Draw speech bubbles on plain paper yourself. These are an added classroom activity, separate from the purchased craft pages.

Give the snowman a tiny problem or wish

Offer a few pretend situations aloud: the snowman wants a friend, has lost a hat, or is choosing a name. Let children suggest their own ideas, too.

Ask, “What would your snowman say?” Have children speak the line before writing. A partner can listen and repeat what they heard. Sometimes that second hearing helps a child settle on the words they want.

Show how the bubble works

Draw a simple character and a speech bubble on the board. Point the bubble’s tail toward the speaker. Read the words in a character voice, then point again to show whose words they are.

Model a short line such as “Can I play?” Explain that the bubble holds the words the character says. Keep the first attempt to one bubble so children can focus on that connection.

Make room for different writers

Children can write independently, dictate their line to an adult, or copy a sentence they have helped compose. Offer a few useful words from their ideas. A child can also choose between two spoken lines and indicate which fits their character.

Read the completed bubble back together. Does it say what the child intended? Is there room to add a missing word? Attach it beside the snowman after this quick check.

Let the display do some talking

Invite children to read their snowman’s line to a partner. For a little extension, ask the partner what another character might say in reply. Keep the response oral unless the writers are ready for a second bubble.

Hang the characters and bubbles together under “Our Snowmen Have Something to Say.” For another writing connection, try the snowman craft sequencing activity on a different day.