Are you looking for some snowflakes children’s books to use in your classroom that include literacy extension ideas? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Snowflakes are such a wonderful theme and are filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these Snowflake books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you like or dislike Snowflakes, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
From the time he was a small boy, Wilson Bentley saw snowflakes as small miracles. And he determined that one day his camera would capture for others the wonder of the tiny crystal. Bentley’s enthusiasm for photographing snowflakes was often misunderstood in his time, but his patience and determination revealed two important truths: no two snowflakes are alike; and each one is startlingly beautiful.
This Caldecott Medal story is gracefully told and brought to life in lovely woodcuts, giving children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist’s vision and perseverance but a clear passion for the wonders of nature.
“Of all the forms of water the tiny six-pointed crystals of ice called snow are incomparably the most beautiful and varied.” — Wilson Bentley.
Literacy Extensions:
- Snowflakes Word Bank
- “Snowflakes” Student Counting Booklet
- Marshmallow Snowflakes Art Project
- Snowflakes Build a Word Game
2. Snowflakes in Photographs by W. A. Bentley
For almost a century, W. A. Bentley caught and photographed thousands of snowflakes in his workshop at Jericho, Vermont, and made available to scientists and art instructors samples of his remarkable work. His painstakingly prepared images were remarkable revelations of nature’s diversity in no two snowflakes are exactly alike, but all are based on a common hexagon.
In 1931, the American Meteorological Society gathered the best of Bentley’s photos and had them published; that work has long been available in a Dover reprint edition. An inexhaustible source of design inspiration for artists, designers, and craftspeople, these graceful patterns are ideal for use in textile and wallpaper design, as well as a host of other creative projects. These images will also appeal to anyone intrigued by the intricacy and beauty of design in the natural world.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Snowflake, Snowflake” Classroom Book
- “Snowflakes Senses” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Snowflakes vs Raindrops
- Snowflakes Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. Snowflakes by Jennifer Preston Chushcoff
The intricate beauty of snowflakes is fully revealed in this amazing pop-up book. An enchanting explanation of the uniqueness of snowflakes supplemented by information about the real life Snowflake Man, Wilson A. Bentley.
Bentley was the first to photograph snowflakes, engages readers of all ages. Each of the seven spreads features fully illustrated pop-ups and delicate mixed media that are sure to surprise and delight.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “To Make a Snowflake”
- Student Booklet: “Snowflakes Counting”
- Snowflakes Numbers, Number Words & Ten Frames
- My Snowflakes Story: Student Worksheets
4. Little Snowflake by Suzanne Fossey
Have you ever wondered what happens to a snowflake when it falls to the ground? This beautifully illustrated story offers a perfect introduction to the life cycle of snowflakes.
The story is told from the point of the Little Snowflake that is forms in a cloud. He continues to tell the reader what happens when he falls to the ground. A unique way to show students the water cycle process.
Literacy Extensions:
- Snowflakes Literature List
- Snowflakes Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Snowflakes Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels
- Coffee Filter Snowflakes Art Project
5. The Secret Life of a Snowflake by Kenneth Libbrecht
Snowflakes may be an everyday, common subject, but youve never seen them like this! A collection of amazing photography of snow crystals using a unique system designed to take super-detailed micro images of these miniature ice masterpieces, “The Snowflake” is an extraordinary look at a seemingly ordinary object. Author Kenneth Libbrecht, a physics professor at Caltech and the pre-eminent snow-crystal researcher, discusses the physics and mythology of snow and how snow crystals are made. Photographer Patricia Rasmussen presents remarkable color micro-photography of snowflakes, and also discusses the history of snow-crystal micro-photography as invented by farmer Wilson Bentley.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Snowflakes” Classroom Book
- Snowflakes Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Snowflakes Art Project
- Snowflakes Number & Ten Frames
6. Ten Sparkly Snowflakes by Tiger Tales
Join the woodland animals as they get ready to play snowy games in this peek-through counting book. Little ones will love to watch as the number of snowflakes decreases from 10 to 1 with each turn of the page.
Come visit the forest animals and see how they celebrate after the snowfall!
Literacy Extensions:
- Snowflakes Word Bank
- Snowflakes Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Snowflakes Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Snowflakes Roll & Cover Math Games
7. The Tiny Snowflake by Arthur Ginolfi
Have you ever wondered what God’s special purpose for you is? Readers will join Lacy, the snowflake, as she longs to discover what God’s special purpose is for her.
Her other snowflake friends seem to know what their special purpose is; like making the snow soft or slippery or deep. One wintry night, Lacy, along with the help of her friends learn what her distinct purpose is in God’s wonderful creation is.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Snowflakes Senses” Student Booklet
- Snowflakes Make a Short Vowel Word
- Snowflakes Sight Word Games
- Snowflakes Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. The Magical Snowflake by Bernette Ford
Set in the midst of winter’s chill, with an absence of snow, Ori and her friends yearn to play outdoors. Ori makes a heartfelt wish, and soon, a special snowflake brings joy to the entire town. Guided by the confidence of a young girl and the assured storytelling by the author leads readers through moments of pure delight, filled with song, dance, and seasonal cheer.
For those seeking winter books, this story promises to be the surprise. Destined to become a classic among Christmas books for kids, this story’s enchanting protagonist, Ori, will inspire both children and adults to partake in the merriment of winter.
Literacy Extensions:
- “To Make a Snowflake” Classroom Book
- Snowflakes Letter & Sound Match Game
- Snowflakes Build a Word
- Snowflakes Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Teddy Bear children’s books you can choose from. From fiction to nonfiction, the list of Teddy Bear books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
