Snow provokes responses that reach right back to childhood.
– Andy Goldsworthy
A blanket of fresh fallen snow can be so peaceful. The pristine snow evokes a feeling of endless possibilities. When I was young, I loved marking this blank slate with a snow angel. When I was done, I would carefully get up, trying not to blemish my new creation.
Soon after a new fallen snow, signs of life will imprint the snow. It may be a bunny rabbit hopping along or the dog chasing it away. Perhaps a chickadee has landed or someone has trudged through on an unknown journey.
What a wonderful opportunity to have children investigate these snow imprints. A great way to introduce this activity is to read The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. Next, take the children outside to see if they can make marks in the snow like Peter in the book. They may want to use their feet or a stick, like Peter, or use another creative tool. Ask the children “How do the imprints look?” or “What stories may the imprints be telling?”. If possible, take pictures of the children’s imprints.
When you come in from outside consider journaling the children’s ideas and stories. See where their imaginations will take them. Pair these with the pictures of the children and the snow imprints for beautiful classroom displays.
