This lesson is adapted from Teaching With Favorite Read-Alouds in PreK available from Scholastic Professional Books. 

Part of the Ezra Jack Keats Author Study

Experiencing a Snowy Day

When Peter wakes up to discover that snow has fallen during the night and covered everything as far as he can see, he eats breakfast, puts on his snowsuit, and runs outside. This classic book is a favorite of preschool children who are eager for a day to play in the snow like Peter. And, if snowy days aren’t an option in your area, this book provides children with an opportunity to join Peter as he investigates one particularly snowy day.

After reading aloud The Snowy Day, I introduce a snowy day center with a three-step Snowy Day art project.

First, students paint a blue piece of paper with a white snowy hill as shown on the title page. I provide toothpicks and small doll shoes for making drag marks and footprints as Peter walks with his toes pointing in and out, drags his feet s-l-o-w-l-y to make tracks, and uses a stick to make a new track.

Next, students add a cutout of Peter (made prior to lesson by parent volunteers) and use a rubberstamp, Q-Tip, or fingertip to make snowflakes falling from the blue construction paper sky. Have them dictate or sound-spell a sentence describing their favorite ways to spend a snowy day.

For a book-based science lesson, place paper cups filled with ice cubes in various places around the classroom (in a closet, near a sunny windowsill, in an insulated lunch bag, or in a pocket like Peter did), and take estimates on rates of melting.

Display a basket of more great books by Ezra Jack Keats for students to independently peruse during free time.