Snow
I accidentally* came across the most marvelous book last weekend.
*If accidentally means that I was looking for Caldecott Honor books that contain many “s” sounds.
This is a seasonal book full of amazing illustrations, simple prose, and many opportunities for speech activities.
Snow by Uri Shulevitz (and since I discovered he has written/illustrated several Caldecott Honor books, I may do more reviews about his works!)
Although our NorthWest weather is turning spring-like (read: rain), and crocuses (or it is crocii?) are popping up from the ground, it is still technically winter. And I know some less fortunate areas of the world are living amidst a cold, white background. This book is appropriate all year long.
It is a simple story of a little boy who declares that “It’s snowing”, in spite of the adults’ disclaimers that it will never last. But it does. Together, the boy, his dog, and some magical creatures begin floating, falling, circling, dancing. They come alive in the wonder of winter.
Speech Therapy Ideas
1. For kids with limited verbal skills, use a template (such as the one below) to help the child participate in the book reading. They can point to the appropriate pictures as they are read in the book, or if developed for a Voice Output device, the child can actually help read along.
2. Practice “ing” verbs. There are a myriad of “ing” words to describe what the snow is doing: snowing, circling, swirling, spinning, twirling, dancing, playing, floating.
3. Practice /sn/ blends. I have several students who leave the /s/ off of blend words. This book provides a great time to practice those words, as it is clear that the story is not about “no”. Have them repeat the word over and over after the narrative. Help them to read all the “snow” words aloud with good sounds.
4. Make snowflakes together. I found a great resource for easily making gorgeous snowflakes. Yep, even I can do it. Check out these beauties:
As you are making the snowflakes, have the child work on following directions, sequencing, and retelling directions. Afterward, have them retell all the directions to another family member to see how accurately they can remember the steps and vocabulary.
Enjoy this magical book together!
How fabulous are you! This book looks like a treasure, and with your tips it just went up a notch!
Looks like another great book.
My babes will love it!
I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for your readers! Though this is a bit advanced for Meghan, I LOVE that you included the template. We just may give it a try if our limited library (and yes, I look online at the rest of the county too) has it. Thank you!
Oooo, I love Dr. Seuss! Definitely one of my most favourite children’s authors. We bought our girls a set of 28 of his books years ago and we’ve gotten several others over the years. And “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins” is still on my Amazon wish list!
I’m looking forward to seeing which book you choose to review and all the helpful hints and learning tricks you’ll provide.
Hey, could you do another /r/ sound post? Or refer me to a previous one? I think you’ve done one in the past. My 4-1/2 yr old struggles with this one (she sounds like a little Brooklyn-er!), but just recently has started trying to say it properly. She can hear the difference when we mimic her, but has a hard time forming her mouth to make the sound.
Oh my now you got me going on just the little tidbit you added {crocuses vs. crocii}
That book would be great I think.
I think we have that book. It’s hard to keep track of them all. We order from scholastic about once a month and the book shelf is so full it broke!
Thanks for stopping by my blog, hope to see you again!
The book sounds great & C is super excited about making ultra cool snowflakes. Perfect timing since we’re having a sick day here & this will be a great activity for her.
Thanks, as always, for sharing!
LOVE the snowflake patterns! Super B & I might give it a whirl this weekend.
I got a good laugh out of your comment on my blog this morning. Awesome? I am…but famous? Not so much. 😛
Just put it on my list of books to check out for the kids. I know I’ve read it once before………thanks for the great recommendation and ideas!
As always, thanks for the recommendation. I do love your Mondays.
TheMiddleChild just “graduated” from ST last week. She was not all that thrilled about it since TheOldest is still going, and doesn’t really understand that they work on different things. She just wants to do what TheOldest does. She was much happier once we told her she could get a graduation gift.
I love coffee filter snowflakes.
😉
Oooh, that book looks and sounds wonderful! Thanks for the recommendation!
You always find the best books! I also like the book Snowflake Bentley (Caldecott Winner). Thanks for sharing;)
That does look like a wonderful book!
Books, and snowflakes…fun!
Looks like a great book to try this winter! If only it would snow in Texas 🙂