If you live where we get snow, you will know how long winter can seem. All those snowsuits, mittens, hats and boots add significant time to transitions from outdoor play.
I like to embrace winter! It is the perfect recipe for some great snow provocations and inquiries. We began by reading the classic book Snowflake Bentley. I also added some cards showing snowflake design elements so students could see which elements were in their snowflakes.
We talked about what we already know about snowflakes, what we think and what we wonder about. Students will share what they know about snowflakes, for example that snowflakes have 6 sides- others might wonder if any two snowflakes are alike. Here are a few other books I added to the provocation to help students find out more about snowflakes:
The students are curious about snowflakes and will enjoy designing their own snowflakes with some glass jewels. There were discussions about patterns, counting and designs of their snowflakes. Engagement was high and the students enjoyed exploring many designs.
I like to add new elements to provocations to keep interest high and to introduce new concepts. For this provocation I added a hinged mirror- discussions quickly turned to symmetry, doubling, and adding. I also added a flat mirror to add interest – I love the way the jewels sparkle when placed on mirrors. Window markers can also be used with the mirrors- students can draw their own snowflake design and then cover it with jewels. They were encouraged to use the design cards to see the elements of snowflakes.
The water table can be filled with snow- this is fun to do after a big snowfall. We read the book Good Morning Snowplow and I added some trucks to the snow. We also experimented with coloured water and it was fun to see how the snow changed colour!
Another opportunity for snow inquiry is where animals go in the winter- I introduced the book Over and Under the Snow. By introducing some animals to the snow students can build winter homes or have them hibernate below the snow. I also introduced a basket of pinecones I have found on my walks in the woods. We also filled a jar with snow and students guessed how much water would be in the jar when the snow melted. They were surprised how little water there was!
One of the favourite activities was using some homemade playdough and found objects to build snowmen. We then used the APP Chatterpix to make our snowmen talk! You just take a picture- add a mouth and then record your message. Students can describe their snowman, write a little poem or story- the possibilities are endless! It is free APP and very easy to use!
Here is a great article using inquiry in your classroom: The Plan- Building on Children’s Interests. https://www.brandeis.edu/lemberg/employees/pdf/seitzbuilding.pdf
naturally inspired learning 