Just SNOW Already!
We’re going to pretend it’s still January and I posted this a week ago :)
The second book feature of 2024’s Picture Books, Printables, and Play—OH MY! is Just SNOW Already! Howard McWilliam (Author, Illustrator).
How cute is this cover?! I feel like every child who has ever wished for snow, or waited for it, did this exact face out the window at some point or another— whether it is waiting for the first snow of the year, or first SNOW DAY to get off school.
This clever and hilarious story is brilliantly done. The child is told that it MIGHT snow today and he can’t wait! He keeps checking and checking out the window to see if the snow has come yet, BUT only looks up! He doesn’t notice ALL the crazy, funny things that are actually happening in his own front yard! From monkeys to a monster truck to clowns, these illustrations are excellent and will have all the kiddos laughing. Does the child ever notice all of these crazy things or does it FINALLY snow?!
Have a read to find out!
After reading this story, I hope your kiddos enjoy these free printables below.
Children can help the child find the snow through this maze!
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
Children can rate this book using this 5 star system and give a reason for their rating.
Copy and paste into a word document or download the printable here.
If you enjoy these free printables, please check out the 4 extra printables below available on my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
You can find the link for ALL SIX worksheets by clicking here!
Children can color and cut the pictures to paste them in the correct order of the story.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
With this picture book being all about wanting to get out and play in the snow, I had to create a label the snow gear worksheet.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
This printable has two handouts to go with it. The first is here to the left where the kiddos with paste the pictures of winter gear into the correct order of which they are to put on. As a Pre-K teacher THIS was something I wanted EVERY student to be able to do themselves, otherwise getting 20 four-five year olds for recess is a nightmare!
The order I used: 1. snow pants 2. boots 3. jacket 4. scarf 5. hat 6. mittens/gloves (always last so they can get everything else on :)
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
Here is the second handout of this activity. Have kiddos color the pictures, cut on black line, and then they will paste in order on above handout.
Again, click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
This journal page is asking the child to reflect on the story and recite one of the things the boy did not see when he looked out the window to look for snow.
Click here to access this worksheet as well as other printables for picture books in my Teachers Pay Teachers store!
For a fun, hands-on activity to go along with this book, what’s better than making your own SNOW?! Whether you live in a location with real snow on the ground, or not, this is a fun sensory activity for kids to use inside! Had some shovels, funnels, arctic animals, etc!
There are MANY ways to make “snow” so I am going to list a few different ways in which you can pick and choose based off what you have in your home. I got these from https://elfontheshelf.com.au/blog/making-snow/ .
Best Ways to Make Fake Snow
Baking soda and shaving cream. Mix together 1 pound of baking soda, and slowly add shaving cream until you reach the perfect snowy consistency. Let kids knead the fake snow with their hands until it’s all combined.
Baking soda and water. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into a bowl, and add water one tablespoon at a time. Use a fork or a whisk to stir the two ingredients together, adding more water as you go. When it’s light and powdery, it’s ready to play with!
Baking soda and conditioner. For this recipe, be sure to use white conditioner so your fake snow looks just like the real stuff. Start with 1/2 cup of conditioner, and use a fork to stir in about 3 cups of baking soda. This snow packs very well and is great for making snowmen!
Shaving cream and cornflour. Mix equal parts shaving cream (foam, not gel) and cornflour for this recipe, which makes a dense, foamy snow that is very easy to mould.
Cornstarch and lotion. Mix together equal parts cornflour and lotion for this crumbly snow recipe. If you’re looking for a more powdery snow, add slightly less lotion than cornflour.
Bonus tips! To give your fake snow extra flair, try adding glitter or even essential oils. Helpful hint: The Scout Elves love adding peppermint oil because it reminds them of their favourite white Christmases! You can also pop your fake snow in the freezer to make it cold to the touch just like real snow. Provide kids with biscuit cutters, plastic utensils and snowman decorating supplies for maximum fun.
Looking for more ways to pass the time indoors this winter? See what else the Scout Elves have up their sleeves in Scout Elf Craft Corner!
Please remember that when attempting the craft included in this blog post, children should always be supervised by an adult. When using crafting supplies or products, always read manufacturer’s instructions and warnings.
More fun play ideas for this story:
-Play outside in the snow if you have it!
-Cut out paper snowflakes by folding paper various ways (parental supervision depending on age)
-Make a snowman face using a paper plate
I hope your kiddos/students enjoy this story, the printables and play activities!
Please considering purchasing this book using links above, checking it out at your local library or even watching here on YouTube. After reading this story, PLEASE leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. :)
Stay tuned for more Picture Books, Printables and Play!—OH MY!
