Ask discussion questions related to the story. Children can predict what kind of animal the story involves, based on pictures on the cover. They can talk about what time of year it is. Talk about how this story compares with other stories about animals or the weather and discuss similarities and differences. Ask children which book they like best and why.
Any snow-related activities and lessons work well for this story. Create lace snowflakes by folding a white sheet of paper into a triangle and cutting out sections. Unfold for a snowflake. Make "snow" by mixing 2 cups of cornstarch with 1 1/2 cups of water. Use a plastic tablecloth. Let children feel the "snow." Play "freeze" tag while the children act as "snow statues."
Children who live in warm climates may not know that people wear different types of clothing in cold climates. Worksheets that include matching activities for the appropriate season with the correct clothing help children understand. Work on finger plays with children, such as "Dressing for Winter." Children can act out the accompanying movements as they "dress" throughout the poem. Try on hats and talk about which ones really keep you warm.
This story works well with a field trip to a dairy, a petting zoo or your local zoo. Discuss the chickens you saw at the zoo and how those chickens are different from Minerva Louise. Children at this age are learning to distinguish fantasy from reality. You can talk about whether chickens really talk or wear clothes.
Reading related stories and poems help children make connections between books and think about similarities and differences. "Froggy Gets Dressed," by Jonathan London, incorporates putting on clothes with another animal. "The Mitten," by Jan Brett, tells how many animals made a mitten their home. "The Snowy Day," by Jack Keats, celebrates with a young boy as he plays in the snow.