How to Make a Snowflake

Right before we left for winter break, we started this quick and easy writing lesson that we will finish this week when we go back: How to Make a Snowflake.

Do your kids love and adore cutting snowflakes from paper? Every year, my kids can't get enough, so I finally channeled that energy into something academic (mwah ha ha!) and made this writing activity:


The premise is very simple: Students will write how-to pieces instructing others on how to cut a snowflake. This activity allows us to work on transition/linking words, steps in a process, and clarity in their writing.

I have two publishing pages: one is a bit more holiday-themed, but since we're finishing these up after the break, we will be using the little penguin choice instead :)

Kids l.o.v.e.d. the planning work we did for this and trying to make their snowflake as unique as possible:


For fun, after they publish, I have them switch their pieces with their writing partner. As they read each other's how-to, they will be following along with scissors and paper, trying to cut out an identical snowflake. At the end, they will compare snowflakes and see how well they did :)

There are rubrics for students and teacher included, so it will be a perfect way to get back into the swing of things and get a grade down for some ELA Standards :) Can't beat that!

If you're interested in this packet, it's in my TpT Store.





11 comments

  1. Stephanie, this packet looks great! Thanks for sharing your talents with us!

    I too am trying to enjoy these last few hours. I have a feeling tomorrow morning's going to hurt - it's amazing how quickly your body can change its sleep schedule! :)

    Have a great day tomorrow,
    Cathy
    cathy@missversteeg.com
    www.missversteeg.com

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    1. You're so kind, thanks! My mentor teacher once told me to not finish every project before a break because it takes us all a bit of time to reacclimate, so I'm glad we have that to go back to :) Have a great last few hours!

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  2. That sounds like such a fun activity. I need a fun activity that is content based to get my kids back into the swing of things. I also go back tomorrow and I am not looking forward to it. If it were up to me, tomorrow would be pajama day. :-)

    Jennifer
    Darling Little Learners

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    1. I love the sneaky feeling that comes with doing fun activities that also align to our plain ol' standards ;) I was just doing laundry and realized I am only washing PJ's- yikes! I was a lazy gal this break (it was perfect!) Good luck tomorrow :)

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  3. Looks like a really fun project! I have a few of those "didn't get to finish" things waiting at school for me too (though not as fun as making and writing about snowflakes....the Columbian Exchange will have to do ;) haa haa)

    ~Stephanie
    Teaching in Room 6

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  4. Ooh! Love this idea! I would have loved to have used it last week. I went back on Wednesday. I can't wait to use this! Have a great last few hours!

    Christine

    Leapingintothird.blogspot.com

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    1. I can't believe you guys had to go back so early :( Hopefully this can help you get through the long full week :) Thanks so much!

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  5. Stephanie, are these 6-sided snowflakes, or 8-sided? I teach my students to do 6-sided. Thanks!

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    1. I leave it completely open-ended, so the kids come up with all sorts of shapes and sizes :)

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  6. Hi Stephanie,
    For the second year, I'm using this activity in my classroom. I blogged about it with links to this blog post and your store. I thought you would like to know! Have a great week!
    Jan
    http://laughterandconsistency.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-very-late-five-for-friday.html

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