Fingerplays and Songs about SNOW!

A Chubby Little Snowman

A chubby little snowman
Had a carrot nose
Along came a rabbit
And what do you suppose?
That hungry little bunny,
Was looking for his lunch,
He ATE the snowman's nose...
Nibble, nibble, CRUNCH!

This snowman poem is fun to use in a variety of ways with your child:

** You can do sign language or motions with this poem which turns it into a fingerplay.

** You can make magnetic board pieces which turns it into a magnetic board story so that your child can retell it over and over using your refrigerator as a backdrop. 

** You can make puppets that can be used while saying the poem which turns it into a fun puppetshow.

** You can create a snowman picture with the words written underneath the picture which turns it into a fun language experience/craft activity.

The possibilities are endless!

Special Note:

I will be making future posts that will show the signs/motions for the fingerplay and also the patterns and directions for the pieces for a magnetic board story, for the puppets, and for the language experience/craft. 

New links within the text will take you to the new posts just as the blue link below will take you to a wonderful selection of snow books.

Please check back often for new content on the pages of this blog as it grows into a wondrous place full of all-inclusive themes for your child's learning enjoyment.

Here are some books about snow that can be read along with the songs and fingerplays mentioned above.

Every activity that you enjoy with your child will help your child connect with the words on the pages of the books. This connection will put your child on the road to becoming a successful reader. It is the connection with the words and their meanings that is an important, but much-overlooked, step in the process of learning to read. Knowing or recognizing a word does not necessarily mean a child will understand the meaning of the word in the story. A connection with the child's own experiences is vital to reading comprehension.

The activities shared with you on this blog will promote this vital connection and help you to be your child's BEST reading teacher while having fun and making awesome memories together!

MORE SNOW FINGERPLAYS:
  

SNOWFLAKES FALLING

Snowflakes, snowflakes falling down,

(hold hands high)

Softly, quietly to the ground,

(flutter fingers down to floor)

They form a blanket soft and white,

To comfort plants through winter’s night.

(pat floor gently with hands)

See the snowflakes as they play,

(flutter hands and fingers in the air)

Swirling, twirling on their way,

(twirl around with fluttering hands)

What a pretty, sparkly sight,

When all the earth is dressed in white!

(clap hands)

SNOWFLAKES, SNOWFLAKES

Snowflakes, snowflakes,

Dance around.

(Dance fingers)

Snowflakes, snowflakes,

Touch the ground.

(Touch floor)

Snowflakes, snowflakes,

In the air.

(Flutter fingers upward)

Snowflakes, snowflakes,

Everywhere.

(Flutter fingers outward)

A SNOWY DAY

These are the snowflakes as they fall.

(flutter fingers downward)

Here is the snowman, straight and tall.

(put up index finger of right hand)

Here is the sun at the end of the day.

(Use thumb and forefinger of left hand to make a circle)

Now the snowman melts away.

(slowly put down index finger)

SOME SNOW SONGS:

 

I’M A LITTLE SNOWMAN

(Sung to: “I’m a Little Teapot”)

I’m a little snowman,

Short and fat.

Here is my broom,

And here is my hat.

When it’s cold and icy,

I will stay.

But when it’s hot,

I melt away.

IT IS SNOWING

(Sung to: “Frere Jacques”)

It is snowing.

It is snowing.

All around.

All around.

Soft and quiet snowflakes.

Soft and quiet snowflakes.

Not a sound.

Not a sound.

CREATIVE MOVEMENT ACTIVITIES:



DANCE LIKE SNOWFLAKES

(Sung to: “Frere Jacques”)

Dance like snowflakes,

Dance like snowflakes.

In the air.

In the air.

Whirling, twirling snowflakes,

Whirling, twirling snowflakes.

Here and there.

Here and there.

 

I’M A FRIENDLY SNOWMAN

I’m a friendly snowman big and fat,

(Stretch arms out at sides)

Here is my tummy and here is my hat.

(Point to tummy, then top of head)

I’m a happy fellow, here’s my nose,

(Smile, then point to nose)

I’m all snow from my head to my toes.

(Point to head, then toes)

I have two bright eyes so I can see

(Point to eyes)

All the snow falling down on me.

(Flutter fingers downward)

When the weather’s cold I’m strong and tall,

(Stnd up straight)

But when it’s warm I become very small.

(Crouch down low)

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! Classic Snow Books

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful,

And since we've no place to go,

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

With the weather so cold and frosty all across the United States (even here in normally warm and sunny Florida), I thought it was the right time to share a few Classic children's books about Snow and Winter.

The first few books have been around for quite some time and have become the go-to books for many librarians and teachers at this time of year. Each book has its own unique perspective of snow.

Snow can be calm and quieting. Or it can be playful and exciting.

Choosing a variety of children's books to share with your child can help you introduce the varied characteristics of snow through the viewpoints of different characters as they enjoy vastly different adventures in the cold and the snow. 


I hope you will be able to find some time to curl up under a warm blanket and share a few snowy adventures with your child.

HAPPY READING!

The Snowy Day

by

Ezra Jack Keats

The Mitten

by

Alvin Tresselt

White Snow Bright Snow

by

Alvin Tresselt

Snow On Snow On Snow

by

Cheryl Chapman

Frosty the Snowman
by
Golden Books




Millions of Snowflakes
by
Mary McKenna Siddals

Here are few newer snow books that are also fun to read when it is cold and frosty outside.

All You Need for a Snowman
by
Alice Schertle






Mouse's First Snow
by
Lauren Thompson

I'll be back soon to add some cool craft ideas and interactive songs and fingerplays to this chilly topic.

Today I will...

At the beginning of last year, I started a special post on one of my favorite Moms websites. I had planned to make it at least a weekly posting but life had other plans for me. As the year went on and I got busier and busier with my job, the posts fell off to being very sporadic. Finally, the posts ceased all together...

It was an inspirational endeavor that helped many Moms and maybe even a few Dads, but it especially helped me through some extremely difficult personal times. I miss it!

I would like to start this unique idea here on my blog in the hopes that it will introduce all of you to some wonderful, quality Children's books and also encourage you to be positive in your interactions with others each day. I know that it will once again help me!

The thoughts are based on quotes from Children's books along with a pledge to be more positive in our every day lives with ourselves, our children, our family, our friends, and even strangers. Please feel free to add your own thoughts, quotes, or pledges in the comment section. I would love to read what has inspired you to be more positive in your daily life.

My first "Today I will..." pledge:

written by Karma Wilson

illustrated by Jane Chapman

He stands with a stretch

and a great big sigh.

"I hope I can make it.

I do want to try."

Today I will... TRY! Just like my wonderful friend, Bear!

I will try!

"I do want to make it" and so I will try again and again today. That is one of the most important things that any of us can do for ourselves each day.

Just try!

Bear is a wonderful character to introduce your children to because he is full of innocence, hope, and a perpetual kindness that is much-needed in our world today. Bear and friends show true friendship from their hearts in each of their lively interactions with each other. Their adventures are fun and enjoyable! They beckon you and your child to follow along.

I hope you will take a few minutes out of your busy day to find one of Bear's many books at your local bookstore or at your neighborhood library. Take a moment to share a loving memory with your child today as you make a new friend in Bear. 

Just try!

I know you will enjoy your time spent with Bear and his friends and you will cherish the  memory you make together with your child!

Merry Christmas!

What smells so YUMMY? Pumpkin Pie Playdough!

Are you looking for something FUN and Educational to do with your children?

Something easy that will keep them busy for hours?

Something you make together from things already in your kitchen cabinets?

Well, here's your wish come true!

Pumpkin Pie Playdough!

Can't you smell it?

It smells just like Grandma's pumpkin pie!

Here's the recipe:

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
(Start with these amounts but you might need to add more flour or water because humity can play with the flour to water ratio.)

• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 cups boiling water
• 3 tablespoons oil
• Small container of pumpkin pie spice



Directions:

Mix flour, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in large bowl with spoon - until blended.

Measure out boiling water.

Add oil to water.

Pour water and oil into flour mixture and mix with spoon until cool enough to knead. (Parents please use your own discretion on how much you allow your child to do during this step.)



Continue kneading until well mixed. You may need to add more flour or more water until you get the right consistency. (This step is the most FUN and can be done by your child as soon as the mixture is cool to the touch.)



Roll and shape playdough into all kinds of shapes and designs.

Add cookie cutters, plastic knives, scissors, dinosaurs, play dishes, dolls, action figures, and anything else that will add to the FUN.

Follow your child's lead because they will be very creative if you let them!

Store in air tight bag or container in the refrigerator.

Is it edible?

Of course it is!

But it doesn't taste good
- too salty! -
so...

your child will probably only taste it once. :-)


Enjoy your playdough together!

I'll be back later to add some more ideas on making playdough play more beneficial for your child's development.

Look, Mom! I shared my toy with Santa!

This cute little 2 yr. old ran right up and gave Santa his toy!
 And then looked so proud of himself!

 

Sunday, December 5th, we attended a Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser for a local charity.

The food was delicious, the music was enjoyable,

and

the Santa was AWESOME!

More pictures to come!

Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You

While browsing the bookshelves at Borders yesterday, I picked up a book that almost brought me to my knees with the power of its words. It touched my heart and soul like few books ever have!

This book is now at the top of my "essentials" list right along with my all-time favorite children's books, The Giving Tree and Love You Forever. It will be under the Christmas tree this year for all of my sons. I only wish M was here to recieve one from me, too. I miss him terribly and this book perfectly expresses my love for him and his brothers!

. . . I wanted you more than you’ll ever know,

so I sent love to follow wherever you go. . . .

Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You

by

Nancy Tillman

This book is simply but powerfully written and the illustrations are beautiful! Together the heartfelt words and alluring pictures create a book that will become many families' favorite read-aloud.

While sitting in the cafe at Borders, I read this book with tears streaming done my face. It is agelessly heartwarming and evokes the deepest feelings of a parent's love. 

I hope you will seek this book out at your local library or bookstore. It will be a magical read for you and your child no matter what their age!

 

Blogging Silliness

I have been away from my blog for a few days so I am confused. Again! Still trying to figure this all out but I know I will get there ... I think I can! I think I can! :-)

I am moving on to December ideas but I will be back to Thanksgiving and Turkey ideas when I get the chance. Still have book suggestions to add. And I need to also add songs, fingerplays, creative movement activities, and more crafts. So much FUN, so little time!

Please check back often as I learn new ways to make my blog reader-friendly.

For now, I just need to figure out how to un-follow myself. :-O LOL

Turkey in the Store! Ha! Ha! Ha!

 Right before Thanksgiving, we spent a FUN morning at our local

Sweetbay Supermarket.

Turkey enjoyed all the attention from the shoppers as he roamed the aisles looking for friends!

We shared a few silly turkey books with the children

and

made awesome turkey hats, too!



                                                Even the associates joined in on the

FUN by making their own turkey

hats to wear at the registers!

Thankful Turkey

This is one of my favorite Thanksgiving/turkey crafts. It is an awesome craft from one of our November storytimes at the library. I love how simple and inexpensive it is to make and yet it is adorable on the little ones and encourages lots of discussion about what we are thankful for.

This craft is good for expressive language skills and vocabulary, fine motor skills, and following directions.

 

Supplies needed:   Brown construction paper (2 shades, if available)
                               Orange construction paper
                               Red construction paper
                               Copies of "I am thankful for..." headband (brown)
                               Copies of head and wing patterns (brown)
                               Copies of feet and beak pattern (orange)
                               Copies of waddle pattern (red)
                               Copies of feather pattern (red, orange, yellow)
                               1" X 12" strips of orange paper
                               2 1/2" X 12" strips of brown paper
                               Tape
                               Glue (Tacky Glue is preferred)
                               Scissors
                               Black marker
                               Sticker eyes

Instructions:    

*Make headband by taping the "I am thankful for..." strip to another brown strip and fitting band to child's head.

*Cut out all pattern pieces.

*Glue eyes, beak, and waddle to turkey head.

*Glue bottom half of head to the top half of headband - right above "thankful". Also tape behind the head to keep it in place until glue dries.

*Glue and tape wings to the side of the headband.

*Using black marker or crayon, write something that child is thankful for on each feather.

*Glue and tape feathers to back of headband (on the inside to make them sturdier).

* Fold the orange strips in an accordian fold.

*Glue feet to end of each strip.

*Glue and tape strups to inside, bottom of headband.

Now your headband is ready to wear. Enjoy! Gobble, gobble!