Snow Exploration

LESSON 3

Children enjoy winter stories, play with real or pretend snow, and express creativity through snowman crafting, fostering sensory experiences and imagination.

  • Select any book inspired by snow: "The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats, "Snow" by Uri Shulevitz, “The Mitten,” by Jan Brett, “Snowballs,” by Lois Elhert

  • Outdoor clothing for snowy exploration (if applicable)

  • White conditioner and baking soda or white playdough (for pretend snow)

  • Craft materials for snowman building: buttons, fabric scraps, twigs, hats, beads, seeds, etc.

Materials

  • Select and have the chosen book ready for the read-aloud session.

  • If applicable, prepare outdoor clothing for snowy exploration.

  • Set up an exploration station with materials for creating a snowman.

  • Gather materials for pretend snow, conditioner and baking soda, or have white playdough ready.

Preparations

  • Foster a love for winter by selecting an engaging book that introduces the magic of snowy days.

  • Encourage outdoor exploration (if applicable) to connect with the natural environment.

  • Provide opportunities for creative expression through snowman crafting with diverse materials.

  • Support fine motor skill development during the sensory activity.

  • Facilitate discussions and inquiries about snow, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking.

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children develop an appreciation for winter and snow through engaging literature and hands-on exploration.

  • Children explore the sensory aspects of snow, fostering tactile skills and creativity.

  • Children enhance fine motor skills by creating a snowman using a variety of materials.

  • Children engage in outdoor play (if snowy) or indoor pretend play with pretend snow.

  • Children practice inquiry-based learning by asking questions and making observations about snow.

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

  • Practice saying the poem together with the actions you came up with.

White Fields

In the wintertime we go,

Walking in the fields of snow.

Where there is no grass at all.

Where the top of every wall,

Every fence and every tree,

Is as white as white can be.

And our mothers always know,

By the footprints in the snow,

Where it is the children go.

-James Stephens

Activity Flow

  1. Begin with a cozy read-aloud session of a winter-themed book, such as "The Snowy Day" or any of the suggested titles.

  2. Discuss the story with the child, asking questions like:

  • What do you like about snowy days?

  • Have you ever played in the snow?

3. If you live in a snowy area, take advantage of the snow and head outdoors for some snow exploration. Engage in play activities like building a snowman, making snow angels, or simply enjoying the sensory experience of snow.

4. For those without access to natural snow, or as an extension activity, create a pretend snow experience indoors using white conditioner and baking soda or white playdough. Encourage imaginative play and exploration with the pretend snow. Discuss how it feels and looks.

5. Set up a crafting station with various materials for creating a snowman. Allow the child to use the materials to build and decorate their snowman, or create freely. Emphasize creativity and self-expression.

Pretend Snow:

  1. Collect a bottle of white conditioner and a box of baking soda.

  2. Choose a clean and flat surface for the activity. You may want to use a tray or a large bowl to contain the mixture.

  3. Start by pouring a moderate amount of baking soda onto the work surface. This will be the base of your pretend snow.

  4. Squeeze a generous amount of white conditioner onto the baking soda. Begin with a small amount and add more as needed.

  5. Use your hands to mix the baking soda and conditioner thoroughly. Knead the mixture until it reaches a snow-like consistency. If it's too dry, add more conditioner; if it's too sticky, add more baking soda.

  6. Continue adjusting the amounts of baking soda and conditioner until you achieve a soft, moldable, and snow-like texture

  7. Once you're satisfied with the texture, your pretend snow is ready for play! Have fun exploring the sensory experience of the soft, fluffy snow.

  8. After playtime, store any unused pretend snow in an airtight container for future use. Clean the work surface with a damp cloth.

  9. After playing, or perhaps while tucking your little one in bed for the night, engage in a reflective discussion:

  • What did you enjoy most about playing with or exploring snow?

  • How does the pretend snow feel compared to real snow?

  • What materials did you choose to use for your snowman and why?