Kids love stories about snow and snowmen because these tales often capture the magic, wonder, and joy of wintertime. Snow is often associated with fun activities like building snowmen, sledding, and having snowball fights, which spark their imaginations. Stories about snowmen often include themes of friendship, adventure, and sometimes even a little bit of magic, such as a snowman coming to life. These elements create a sense of wonder and excitement that resonates with children. Additionally, snow-themed stories provide a cozy, imaginative escape, especially for children in warmer climates who might not experience snow firsthand.
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Here are some favorite children’s books about snow and snowmen that kids love:
The Snow Day from the Black Lagoon” by Mike Thaler is part of the popular Black Lagoon Adventures series. In this humorous book, Hubie, the main character, is thrilled when he learns there’s going to be a snow day—no school and lots of fun in the snow! However, Hubie’s imagination runs wild as he starts to worry about all the challenges a snow day might bring.
“Snowman Magic” by Katherine Tegen is a heartwarming story about a boy named George who builds a snowman on a snowy winter day. To George’s amazement, the snowman comes to life and they become friends. Together, they enjoy playing in the snow and sharing fun adventures.
“Snowballs” by Lois Ehlert
- A creative book with collage-style illustrations that inspire kids to use everyday items to decorate snowmen.
“Snow” by Uri Shulevitz
- A poetic and artistic story that celebrates the magic of a snow-covered world.
“Sneezy the Snowman” by Maureen Wright is a humorous and delightful story about a snowman who keeps trying to warm himself up, only to melt each time. He gets cold in the winter weather and tries different ways to warm up, like drinking hot cocoa, sitting in a hot tub, or standing near a fire. Each time he melts, the children rebuild him and try to help him stay cold instead of warm.
“The Biggest Snowman Ever” by Steven Kroll
- A fun story about teamwork as two mice work together to build the biggest snowman in the village.
“Frosty the Snowman” adapted by Annie North Bedford
- A beloved story about Frosty, the magical snowman who comes to life.
FUN SCIENCE WITH SNOW:
Here are some engaging STEM activities for children to explore snow and winter-related topics:
1. Melting Snow Science Experiment
- Materials: Snow, bowls, salt, spoons, food coloring.
- Activity:
- Collect snow in bowls.
- Have kids sprinkle salt on one bowl and leave the other as is.
- Observe which melts faster and why.
- Add food coloring to see how the snow and salt interact.
- STEM Connection: Learn about how salt lowers the freezing point of water (freezing point depression).
2. Build a Snow Volcano
- Materials: Snow, baking soda, vinegar, dish soap, food coloring.
- Activity:
- Create a small volcano shape from snow.
- Add baking soda and a drop of dish soap to the "crater."
- Pour vinegar mixed with food coloring into the crater and watch the eruption.
- STEM Connection: Explore chemical reactions and the production of carbon dioxide.
3. Snowflake Symmetry
- Materials: Paper, scissors, rulers, pencils.
- Activity:
- Study real snowflakes under a magnifying glass.
- Discuss symmetry and how no two snowflakes are exactly alike.
- Fold and cut paper to make snowflake patterns.
- STEM Connection: Learn about symmetry and the molecular structure of water crystals.
4. Snow Density Challenge
- Materials: Snow, measuring cups, kitchen scale, water.
- Activity:
- Measure equal volumes of snow and water.
- Weigh both to compare densities.
- Discuss why snow is lighter and less dense than liquid water.
- STEM Connection: Understand density and states of matter.
5. Snow Insulation Experiment
- Materials: Snow, small containers, thermometers, gloves.
- Activity:
- Bury containers of warm water in snow and record how long they retain heat.
- Compare with containers left uncovered.
- STEM Connection: Investigate snow as a natural insulator.
6. Frozen Bubble Science
- Materials: Bubble solution, bubble wand, freezing temperatures.
- Activity:
- Blow bubbles outside in freezing weather.
- Watch as they freeze and crystallize.
- Experiment with different bubble sizes and speeds.
- STEM Connection: Learn about freezing points and molecular structures in cold conditions.
7. Engineering a Snow Shelter
- Materials: Snow, shovels, sticks, or small tools.
- Activity:
- Work in teams to design and build a small snow fort or igloo.
- Discuss the principles of stability and structure.
- STEM Connection: Explore engineering concepts and structural integrity.
8. Snow Ice Cream Chemistry
- Materials: Clean snow, milk, sugar, vanilla extract.
- Activity:
- Mix the ingredients with snow to create "snow ice cream."
- Discuss how temperature affects the texture and consistency of the mixture.
- STEM Connection: Explore states of matter and the role of temperature in making mixtures.
These activities are fun, educational, and provide a hands-on way for children to connect with the science, technology, engineering, and math aspects of snow!
Check out my ebook on more STEM ACTIVITIES FUN with your child or class:
These books combine imagination, fun, and the magic of snow, making them favorites for children during wintertime or anytime they want to experience the wonder of snow through stories.
What is your favorite children's book about snow? Please comment below.
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