With a Wintery Mix Coming Our Way, I'm Ready to Talk SNOW!

Do I love snow? Not really...BUT...I absolutely do LOVE the first snowfall, which we are supposedly getting on Monday!! I love that snowed in feeling...looking out the window and catching a glimpse of the early morning sun encouraging the snow to sparkle and glisten like tiny diamonds all around.... the white snow dust that swirls across the landscape as the wind crackles! YES! That part I LOVE!

There's one more...there is one thing that really excites me and that is perceiving the snow through the eyes of a child...the excitement and squeals of the snow falling. Everyone running to the classroom windows to see the tiny bits of snow falling down from the clouds...that's what it is all about...they simply LOVE the snow!

So...Let's Talk SNOW...snow resources and activities to ignite that learning.

⛄ Here's a Wintery Mix of Snow-Themed Ideas and Activities:

⛄ Any Story written by Caralyn Buehner; especially her snowman series is worth reading to ignite your students' imagination and creativity! My all time favorite is Snowmen at Night.

Everytime I read this story, I think of another idea of snowmen might just do at night and the ideas that students share amazes me everytime!

If you are looking for a way for your primary students to write creatively, this definitely fits the bill.

You can take a look at the complete resource here and see what you think!

Here is what is included: ⛄3 different sized circles to trace and cut to make a snowman. These can be used as tracers or simply run them off onto card stock, cut and glue.

⛄Various templates for hats, shirts, a tie, and bow

⛄2 easy writing frames.

⛄1 longer writing frame for stronger writers with handwriting lines.

⛄1 longer writing frame for stronger writers with only lines for writing.

⛄1 planning sheet for jotting down ideas and a few extra writing ideas.

⛄ 2 Beginning Middle and End frames for easier writing or just simply writing what the snowman may do for a rough draft and then writing a good copy to display.

⛄I then add lots of beads, scraps, tissue, shape stickers, and all kinds of craft media materials to assist creativity.

⛄An idea with an outline of directions for a lesson.

⛄Sample craft.

⛄ Want a Digital version of Snowmen at Night created for Google Slides™? click here!

⛄ Have Some Fun with Snow Dough!

⛄ All kids love snow or at least most of them do...

If they have ever played in snow, they will remember the cold icy feeling of making a snowman, snow angel or snowball.

You can make snow dough with only 2 ingredients...YES...I did say 2. Baking soda and water. All you need is one cup of Baking soda and 1/4 cup of water and you will bring that cold snow right into your classroom.

Here are a few ideas to use SNOW DOUGH in your classroom:

⛄Make it and simply let your kiddos play with it...this "snow" feels cold, which makes it even "cooler" to manipulate. This is great for sensory needs and you can talk a little about Science!

⛄Create a snowman. Name the snowman and use a frame from the packet above or your own frame to write a story about your snowman.

⛄Create a snow scene by adding small trucks, people, cars, houses etc. Maybe even create a cooperative town!

⛄ There is another recipe for "SNOW" that I found the other day that is super fun "playing" with snow.

It is simply:

1 cup of Baking Soda

1 cup of shaving cream

1 tablespoon of water...(we added a tad more baking soda and stirred until it was the right consistency.

Here is the result:

⛄Have you tried writing sight words in the SNOW?

We have...this image is with a mat underneath, but if you know it will be snowing, get out there and have some fun with your sight words...if you are a homeschooler...what a fun way to learn your words!!! Even in school, walk outside and grab a tray of snow and get writing! OR simply use the recipe above and start writing those words!

⛄What about Some Fun and Easy Science Experiments for Home or School?

These fun experiments for every month of the year from igamemom are perfect! These 10 Easy Snow Experiments are3 educational and fun for all ages!

⛄ You might also enjoy these ideas to make a snowy day a FUN DAY!

⛄ Snowy Winter Station and Center Activities are Always a Great Idea

I love creating centers/ work stations that fit the seasons and that students can rotate through in a week or two.

It gives me a chance to meet with Guided reading Groups or work one on one with students to meet individual needs of all students. Chatting about my ELA Centers/Stations is for another post, but if you are interested in some activities with a snowy theme, here are some that I used with much success! It even includes a Reader's theater!

⛄ Snowy Winter Animal Research Reports is a great way to integrate winter and writing.

Although the information included in this resource focusses on Polar Bears, Penguins and Reindeer, the worksheets to write the information are generic and can go beyond these winter animal. See if this is something you might to use when the chill of winter passes through your classroom. \

⛄ Snowy Winter Writing Prompts

Encourage creative writing with prompts related to winter adventures, snowy days, winter holidays special days celebrated in January and more with these Seasonal Monthly Writing Prompts. Here is one for January

⛄ AND LET'S NOT FORGET CREATING SNOWFLAKES TO DECORATE YOUR CLASSROOM OR HOUSE.

Just imagine how excited your students or children will be when their classroom or house turns into a winter wonderland!

As the snowflakes dance and the chilly air wraps around us, these delightful winter activities and resources for primary learners promise endless joy and learning. From crafting snowflakes to a mix of winter writing, these experiences foster not just fun but also growth and discovery.

Embrace the magic of winter and watch as these simple moments create lasting memories for all.

Let's make this winter a season of laughter, exploration, and endless delight for our young adventurers!

I hope these ideas bring a little "SNOW"shine your way! Thanks for stopping by!

Getting kids to focus on anything in December is a task in itself!

They are preoccupied with thinking about their time off and you are busy trying to make school fun while balancing all your holiday shopping too. I totally get how hard this season is which is why I created this easy no prep writing pack for December.

Jingle All the Way: Creative Writing Prompts for First Graders
Make writing enjoyable for this crazy season with some engaging holiday themed writing prompts. Here are some examples of the fun and festive writing prompts included for first graders:

🦌 If I Were a Reindeer ...

This prompt allows children to imagine themselves as one of Santa's reindeer and write about their adventures. They can describe what they would do, where they would go, and how they would help Santa deliver presents.

🎄 My Favorite Holiday Tradition is...

This prompt encourages children to write about their favorite holiday tradition. They can describe what they do, who they do it with, and why it is special to them. This prompt not only helps children practice their writing skills but also allows them to reflect on the traditions that bring joy to their lives.

🎁 The Best Gift I Ever Received was...

Children can write about the best gift they have ever received during the holiday season. They can describe what the gift was, who gave it to them, and why it was so special. This prompt allows children to express gratitude and appreciation for the gifts they have received.

In my no prep writing bundle you will find over 40 different writing prompts and activities for a complete December writing journal.

🕎 My Favorite Holiday is...

Students can write about their favorite holiday and share holidays and customs that their families celebrate that may be different or the same as their peers. This encourages opportunities for students to write about Hanukkah, Los Posadas, Diwali and many other holidays celebrated.

These are just a few samples of the prompts that are included in this amazing writing resource.

Do you know how many special days are recognized during the month of December? I didn't think so. I didn't either until I started researching National Holidays for my December Writing Pack. Here are just a few of the days your students can write about in December!

In addition to creative writing prompts and writing frames to celebrate special days, there are prompts to write memos, lists, thank you notes and friendly letters.

And...to make a bit easier for you and your kiddos, we've included ideas for writing lists, memos, thank you notes and friendly letters right at your fingertips!!!

We are not done YET...These Festive Writing Activities for First and Second Graders to Celebrate the Holiday Season is JUST the beginning!

HERE are several festive writing activities and suggestions that are not included in the December Writing packet that first and second grades can engage in to celebrate the holiday season.

🎉 Creating Holiday Cards

First graders can create their own holiday cards for their family and friends. They can write personalized messages inside the cards, expressing their love and holiday wishes. This activity not only allows children to practice their writing skills but also encourages them to spread joy and cheer to others. Check out all the ideas here from Lake Mac Family Life Digital Magazine

✏️ Writing Letters to Santa

Writing letters to Santa is a classic holiday activity that first graders can enjoy. They can write about their wishes, dreams, and what they have been good at throughout the year. This activity not only helps children practice their writing skills but also encourages them to think about others and express their desires in a thoughtful manner.

📝 Keeping a Holiday Journal

First graders can keep a holiday journal where they can write about their daily experiences, thoughts, and feelings during the holiday season. They can document their favorite moments, activities, and traditions. This activity not only helps children improve their writing skills but also allows them to reflect on the joy and excitement of the holiday season.

In my December journal that is print and go you will find letter writing activities in there already done for you! Take a look here

Tips for Encouraging First Graders to Write during the Holiday Season

Keeping first graders engaged in writing during the holiday season can be challenging, as they may be distracted by the festivities and excitement around them.

Here are some tips for encouraging first graders to write during the holiday season:

⏰ Set aside dedicated writing time

Create a schedule that includes dedicated writing time for first graders. This can be done at home or in the classroom. By setting aside specific time for writing, children will understand that it is an important activity that needs to be prioritized.

😊 Incorporate fun holiday-themed prompts

Use these creative writing prompts that are related to the holiday season. This will make writing more enjoyable for first graders as they can express their thoughts and ideas in a festive context. By incorporating holiday themes into their writing assignments, children will be more motivated to write.

⭐️ Provide positive reinforcement and feedback

Encourage first graders by providing positive reinforcement and feedback on their writing. Celebrate their achievements and improvements, and provide constructive feedback to help them grow as writers. By acknowledging their efforts, children will feel motivated to continue writing and improving their skills.

Make your life easier too by downloading my December journal writing pack that includes letter writing activities, explanatory writing prompts, and everything else fun and seasonal that your kids will love! December Writing Prompts

I hope you find these ideas helpful to encourage your students and children to WRITE ON and ON and ON!

Happy Holidays!

With a Wintery Mix Coming Our Way, I'm Ready to Talk SNOW!

So...Let's Talk SNOW...snow resources and activities to ignite that learning.

⛄ Here's a Wintery Mix of Snow-Themed Ideas and Activities: