The Snow Man Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will compare the study of snowflakes long ago with how they are studied today.

 

Social Studies Focus:

scientific processes, innovation

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, informative writing, compare and contrast

 

Page 4 Skill:

read a line graph

 

Vocabulary:

velvet, identical, digital camera, lab

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1 key details; RI.2.2 identify the main topic; RI.2.4 determine meanings of words; RI.2.10 read informational texts; W.2.2 write informative texts; SL.2.1 collaborative conversations; SL.2.3 ask and answer questions

Guided Reading Level:

L

 

Lexile level: 

510L

Download TEKS Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on snowflakes.

 

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video "What Do You Know About Snow?” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following question:

  • What is the coolest thing you learned about snow?

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. What tool is Bentley using to study snowflakes?
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on the cover: “Think about how snowflake science has changed over time.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

 

Read together (20 min.)

Pass out the Read and Think printable. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions. 

 

Review vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are velvet, identical, digital camera, and lab.

 

Assessment: Reading Quiz

Pass out the Reading Quiz to review key concepts from the issue and assess students’ proficiency on key nonfiction reading skills.

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important ELA skills. Here's how.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work printable to deepen students’ understanding of the words velvet, identical, digital camera, and lab.

Editor’s Pick: Informative Writing/Text Evidence(15 min.)

ELA Focus: Compare and Contrast (15 min.)

  • Students will identify what strategies and tools scientists used in the present and past with the Long Ago, Today, or Both? skill sheet.

Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on snow:

  • “Uncover Winter Weather!,” January 2023. Students will examine commonly asked questions about winter weather in this issue.
  • “Frozen in Ice,” January 2021. This issue explored how freezing weather and water combine to cover a lighthouse in ice.

You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here:

  • Higher Lexile level: 600L
  • Lower Lexile level: 430L