Ooook, we’ve had a couple snowfalls already this season, so I guess it’s time! As you might know, I don’t love the winter season, but the first few snowfalls are kind of beautiful and magical. So here are some of my favorite books and songs for a preschool snow storytime theme.
Introduction: There are so many things to do in the snow, so we talk a bit about that. I ask for examples and usually get sledding, snow angels, snowmen, etc. but there’s also observing nature in the snow (look for footprints!), snow forts, make snow ice cream, paint in the snow (using food dye or watercolors), and so much more! After discussing it, we sing our hello song and are ready for storytime!
Sign of the Day: Because we use the word “Snow” a lot during this storytime, we learn the ASL sign for it and I encourage the kids to use it anytime they hear the word “Snow” during storytime.
Book: A Big Bed for Little Snow by Grace Lin
I adore Grace Lin and this book is so much fun to imagine a little boy being responsible for the snow! It’s also a great segue into learning about how snow is actually produced!
Song: 10 Little Snowflakes (to the tune of One Little, Two Little)
One little, two little, three little snowflakes
four little, five little, six little snowflakes
seven little, eight, little, nine little snowflakes
ten little snowflakes on my tongue (stick out tongue)
Repeat with…
Ten little snowflakes on my hat (tap head)
Ten little snowflakes on my mittens (wiggle fingers)
Ten little snowflakes on my boots (stomp feet)
Book: No Two Alike by Keith Baker
This is a nice quick tale with a lovely message that you kind find something unique in everything. Full of wintery and snowy scenes, this is a great one to talk about nature during winter.
Rhyme: The Mitten. I love this fingerplay because it not only encourages dexterity and fine motor skills, but it also introduces the concept of left vs right.
Here is a mitten (Hold up one hand)
A snug, fuzzy one (rub palms together)
With a place for my fingers (wiggle fingers)
and a place for my thumb (wiggle thumb)
Here are two mittens (hold up two hands)
A colorful sight (move hands back and forth)
One for my left (hold up left hand)
And one for my right (hold up right hand)
Here are our mittens (hold up two hands)
As soft as can be (stroke the back of one hand)
A warm pair for you (point to someone else)
And a warm pair for me (point to yourself)
Felt: Knitty Kitty by David Elliott
This is a fun little tale where Knitty Kitty knits her children some cold weather items. But they all seem to disappear! Good thing Knitty Kitty knows exactly what will keep the kittens warm for bedtime. Turning this into a felt story was easy and is a fun way for the kids to see and engage with the story!
Scarf Song: Snowball (to the tune of Frère Jacques)
Make a snowball, make a snowball (scrunch scarf into ball)
Pack it tight, pack it tight (Pat hand with scarf)
Make it smooth and round, make it smooth and round (rub hand with scarf)
Throw it now! Throw it now! (Toss scarf into air)
Closing: Since we already have the scarves out, I tell the kids that we’ll use them to do our closing song, too! So we tickle the clouds with our scarves before saying goodbye and collecting the scarves as the kids go out the door.
More Books to Check Out:
Librarian Ginny 