Conduct an experiment with ice cubes to demonstrate how temperature affects melting rates. Place ice cubes in small cups and distribute them in various locations throughout the classroom, such as on a sunny window ledge, in a dark, cool closet and near a heater. Ask children to consider each location and to guess which ice cube will melt most quickly. Chart pupils' predictions and test their theories by checking the cups every few minutes. When the ice cubes melt, record the information on the chart. Discuss why the cubes melted at different rates.
Discuss what Peter wears in "A Snowy Day" and his reason for doing so. Gather the class around you as you dress an oversize doll or stuffed animal in proper winter clothes, including woolen hat, scarf, sweater, coat, snow pants, mittens and boots. Ask the class to explain why the doll needs so many items of clothing. Discuss the fabric and how thick fabric keeps people warm. Next, dress the doll in a swimsuit, shorts, T-shirt, sandals, sunglasses and sun hat. Ask the children to suggest where the doll might be going, what season it might be, and what adventures the doll can expect to have when he is dressed this way.
As a class, discuss and make a list of Peter's adventures. Point out that Peter's adventures were special moments in his day that were exciting, fun or sad. Ask every child to recall a personal adventure and make a chart of their answers. If children have trouble with the exercise, offer personal examples to further guide their thinking.
Distribute paper and ask children to draw pictures of their adventures. Encourage writing skills by suggesting that children add letters or words to label their drawings. Work on verbal development and build self-confidence by sitting with children individually and hearing them describe their adventures. Offer to write a brief description alongside each picture. Display all work on a bulletin board.
Choose different moments in "The Snowy Day" to re-enact. Develop pupils' gross motor skills by leading them in a game of follow-the-leader, walking first with "toes pointing out" and then with "toes pointing in." Pick up handfuls of make-believe snow and "pack it round and firm." Challenge children to make their imaginary snowballs bigger, and bigger and bigger, reminding them that their hands will be farther and farther apart as their snowballs grow. Help children construct a "great big tall heaping mountain of snow" out of blankets, pillows and other soft materials and encourage them to imitate Peter as they climb to the top and slide all the way down.