Over and Under the Snow is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Over and Under the Snow" by Kate Messner takes young readers on an enchanting journey into the wintery forest. As a girl and her father ski through the snow-covered landscape, the story reveals the hidden world of animals living both above and beneath the snow. Through beautifully written prose, the book explores the diverse habitats and survival strategies of creatures like beavers, owls, and bullfrogs during the cold season. The bond between the girl and her father grows stronger as they observe these animals in their natural environment. The book not only celebrates the wonders of nature but also emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things, making it an engaging and educational read for children.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Read the book to students without showing the pictures. Encourage them to close their eyes and visualize the story. Discuss their visualization as a class.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Discuss the different adjectives used in the book.
- Explore prepositions and how they describe nouns or pronouns.
- Discuss patience with students and share strategies they can use to be more patient.
- Teach students the meaning of being respectful and discuss what it looks like in the classroom.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- A Loud Winter's Nap by Katy Hudson
- Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
