Hansens Helpers: Snow Globe Adventure

Hi Everyone,

My class just finished something up that you can do this winter. We read a story I created called, Snow Globe Adventure. It is about two kids who aren’t used to winter but get to have a winter day anyway. I was inspired to write this story because I couldn't find a snow globe story I liked or even related to in a small way. I just wanted something with a simple plot and a purpose. This story helps kids look at things from a different perspective.

As some of you know, I am a native to Arizona and did not grow up with snow, except the occasional trip to the mountains. So the story stems from a different point of view, than many others who enjoy (or not) a very long winter with heavy snow. I think it is shocking to those students living in states that have real seasons, that not everywhere does.

One of the activities that I have that goes with the story is to write a story using the prompt, where would the snow globe take you? This prompt allows students to dream up any magical place they are thinking of. I have also done other prompts where students are trapped inside the snow globe and they have to figure out a way to get out. However, the great thing about this unit, it is up to you as the teacher to come up with whatever prompt that fits what you are doing in class. Here is the front cover of the prompt we used.

What I did to help make these snow globe stories was to copy the front page template on card stock. I also made many copies of the middle writing template (these are also adjustable to fit you classroom writing needs), and used the last page template as a place for students to write about the author. Students got a chance to write about themselves and draw a picture. I would also recommend if you had a student picture handy to add that on the last page (I just didn’t).

Here are some pictures of the final product.