Snow is Falling
Book Spotlight: Snow is Falling
Welcome to the STEMHAX Book Spotlight. Today, we explore Snow is Falling written by Franklyn M. Branley. This is a wonderful introductory book for children to explore science.
Overview
Snow is Falling is a tried and true book to introduce children about snow; the good and the not so good. It also shares how plants and animals depend on the snow to protect themselves, from the harsh winter cold. Snow is Falling also touches on the reality of having to much snow. Children are naturally curious about weather, and snow is fun. This blog post includes a mini-lesson utilizing this Snow is Falling read aloud book. All the Read and Find Out Science books are a great addition to any classroom library.
Snow is Falling – Read Aloud
Exploring Snow is Falling with Young Learners
First, start with a book cover inspection. Show children the cover of the book, and ask, “what do you think this book is about?” Follow this with some open-ended questions to get their minds warmed up and engage them in the topic.
- Where does snow come from?
- How do you feel when you see snow?
- What is it like to walk in the snow?
- What are some of the things people do with snow?
- How does snow feel?
After reading the book for the first time, ask more open-ended questions. Remember there are no wrong answers. Some questions might include:
- How does snow sound when it falls?
- How are snowflakes formed?
- How is snow good for plants and animals?
- How does snow protect some people?
- What happens when the winter is over?
- When is snow not so good?
- What can happen when to much snow falls to fast?
- What can happen when lots of snow melts very fast?
- What are some fun activities you want to try in the snow?
Vocabulary
We have a book companion packet that works perfectly with any snow or snowman themed book/lesson, available in my TPT Store.
- blizzard – a severe snowstorm with high winds and low visibility
- water vapor – water in the form of a gas
- igloo – a dome shaped shelter formed from blocks of snow and ice
- flood – overflowing water
- snowflake – a feathery ice crystal that has six sides
Fun Fact
In the sky, tiny invisible water molecules join together to form water droplets. When they get heavy clouds form and they fall to the ground as droplets. When it is very cold they change into snowflakes. Snowflakes are six sided crystals.
According to the Weather Channel, the most snow ever recorded from a single snowstorm in North America was 189 inches (15.75 feet) and happened in California.
Extend the Lesson
Here are some snowflake videos to extend your book exploration with Snow is Falling. These are great for a teacher refresher before teaching the lesson. They are also excellent for sharing with young learners.
Where Do Snowflakes Come From – SciShow Kids
What is a Blizzard? – SciShow Kids
What Makes It Snow? – Free School
Cotton Swab Snowflakes – PBS KIDS for Parents
What you will need for this craft:
- Construction Paper
- Scissors
- Hole Punch
- Yarn
- Glue
- Cotton Swabs
Remind students that snowflakes have six main branches. Pre-cutting some of the cotton swabs in half will be helpful for this art project. Students should create a design and then glue.
More Snow Resources
Thank You
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