There are many excellent books related to the topic of winter that naturally lend themselves to fun hands-on projects. Preparing activities for an elementary winter-themed unit doesn't have to be complicated. These fun and quick ideas are easy to pull together and are sure to be a hit with all children!
When Winter Comes
When Winter Comes by Robert Mass [Scholastic, 1993] is a colorful book with large pictures and limited text. It briefly explains the changes that occur with the arrival of winter as well as different winter-related activities, foods, events, holidays, and sports.
Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here
Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here by Jean Craighead George [HarperTrophy, 1993] is written as a letter from a grandmother to her granddaughter, Rebecca. Through the letter, Rebecca learns about the process of summer changing into winter. The book highlights changes in nature and animals related to the coming of winter. The artwork is a lovely combination of watercolor and colored pencils.
The Jacket I Wear in the Snow
The Jacket I Wear in the Snow by Shirley Neitzel [Scholastic, 1989] is a fun look at all of the clothes necessary to go outside in the winter and the long process to get them on and off. This highly repetitive book is a big hit with children. Illustrated with colored pencils and watercolors, the drawings are simple and engaging.
Cotton Ball Snowman
Give each child small cotton balls, a large sheet of blue construction paper, glue and other scrap pieces for making a snowman. The scrap pieces can be twigs, fabric, buttons, yarn, felt, etc. Have students glue the cotton balls on to make a snowman and then add eyes, buttons, a scarf, a hat, arms, etc. To control the number of cotton balls used, it is possible to draw the snowman (three circles) on the construction paper ahead of time.
Mitten Winter Facts
After reading and discussing When Winter Comes or Dear Rebecca, Winter Is Here, give each student two mittens cut from tagboard. Have them write one fact about winter on each side (four facts in all). Students may also color the mittens. Punch holes in the top of each mitten and string them together with yarn. If students will have difficulty writing their own facts, make a list of facts on the board as a class and allow them to choose and copy four of them.
Winter activities are a fun part of every primary school year and writing lesson plans for them doesn't have to be complicated. Kindergarten and first grade students will have great fun enjoying these simple winter activities and books as they celebrate the changing seasons. Don't forget to check out other ideas in Snow Unit Ideas. And there are lots of fun writing prompts in Winter Writing Project Ideas for Lesson Plans.
Sallie Schaaf Borrink - Sallie Borrink is a professional writer with extensive experience with business clients, the consumer market, and online destinations.
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