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.

If interested in the unit, just follow the link.

Snow Globe Adventure

Enjoy!

Erin

Polar Express

Merry Christmas!

Countdown to winter break, 6 more work days! There are lots of things going on this week and next. This week we are working on a snow globe project that I will write about in my next post.

I did want to tell you about next week and my class reading The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.  This is actually the start of a month long author study I am doing in January (more to come about this as well). As I am sure you know, Polar Express is a cute book and great a movie you can squeak in just before break.  I have made a lit unit is great that goes along with it but I wanted to share the craftivity that goes along with the unit.

I am going to have the students put together a train that is travelling to the North Pole. On the train cars the students have to summarize the beginning, middle, and end of the book. The train goes onto a long piece of construction paper that can be either black or white. For my example, I chose black to represent the night sky. However, I think white can work well too, if students wanted to draw the setting as the train was travelling up the mountain.

Below is an example of the project.

Here is the link to the Polar Express Lit Unit w/craftivity and link to the Chris Van Allsburg Author Bundle.

Polar Express

Van Allsburg Bundle

Have a great break!

Erin