purposeful play
Snow Writing Tray: Winter Writing for preschool & Kindergarten
Originally published January 2021. Updated January 2026.
Encourage letter formation practice with this fun winter snow writing tray!
Writing trays are a simple, stress-free way to help preschool and kindergarten kids practice proper letter formation and build early handwriting skills.
They’re also a wonderful way to strengthen fine motor skills and explore sensory play at the same time, which makes them perfect for winter learning when kids need something calming, hands-on, and engaging.
Sensory activities like this writing tray are a great example of how winter activities build early learning skills through purposeful play.
In this DIY winter writing activity, you’ll use sugar and iridescent glitter to create a “snowy” sensory tray, then pair it with mitten letter tracing cards for guided practice.
(You can grab the tracing cards in my Etsy shop if you want a ready-to-go option.)
Keep reading for step-by-step directions, a simple supply list, and the benefits of using writing trays for early learners.
materials
Tray
Glitter
Sugar
Paintbrush
Clothespins
Mitten Tracing Cards (from my Etsy Shop)
purpose
Develops fine motor and language skills
Teaches proper letter formation
Reinforces letter recognition
Stress-free writing practice
Screen-free learning!
directions
How to Make a
Winter Snow Writing Tray
Add sugar and iridescent sugar to a large tray
Clip two clothespins to the back edge of the tray
Place a letter card inside the clothespins
Invite students to write the letter in the “snow” with a paintbrush or finger
Simply shake the tray to erase!
Repeat with more letters
Why Sensory Play Is So Important in Early Writing
Sensory play does much more than keep children engaged. It plays a powerful role in how young learners process information and build foundational skills.
When children explore letters through hands-on sensory activities, they’re building new brain connections that support memory, focus, and learning.
The tactile experience of tracing letters in materials like sugar or glitter helps reinforce letter recognition and proper letter formation in a way that feels natural and stress-free.
Sensory play also has a calming effect. For many children, especially in the winter months, activities like a snowy writing tray can help regulate energy levels and reduce frustration around writing.
There’s no pressure to “get it right.” Children can practice, erase, and try again with confidence.
At the same time, sensory writing trays strengthen fine motor skills and support early language development. Scooping, tracing, and forming letters all help build the hand strength and coordination needed for future writing tasks.
And perhaps best of all, sensory writing trays offer meaningful, screen-free learning. Children stay engaged, focused, and curious while practicing important early literacy skills through purposeful play.
Writing trays are one of many winter activities for preschool and kindergarten that help children build strength and control in their hands.
