A Montessori Approach to The Snowy Day

Preschool / Pre-Primary / Nursery / Pre-Kindergarten Lesson Plan – Learning The Snowy Day Book, Maria Montessori philosophy

Title: “A Montessori Approach to The Snowy Day”

Age Group: Preschool / Pre-Primary / Nursery / Pre-Kindergarten (3-5 years old)

Learning Framework: Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) – USA

Educational Approach: Montessori Method

Learning Outcomes (Based on ELOF):

1. Language and Literacy: Enhance listening skills, comprehension, and vocabulary through story reading and discussion.
2. Cognition: Understand basic science concepts related to weather (specifically snow) and its properties.
3. Social and Emotional Development: Discuss and understand the main character’s feelings and experiences.
4. Perceptual, Motor, and Physical Development: Improve fine motor skills through related craft activities.

Resources Needed:

• The book “The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats
• Materials for sensory play: bin, fake snow or cotton balls, various toys or items from the story
• Materials for craft activity: colored paper, scissors, glue, crayons or markers

Lesson Plan:

1. Story Introduction (15 minutes):

Begin by reading “The Snowy Day”, making sure to show the illustrations and encourage engagement and questions from the children.

2. Story Discussion (15 minutes):

Engage the children in a discussion about the book, focusing on the main character Peter and his experiences in the snow. Talk about different weather conditions and how they can affect what we can do outside.

3. Sensory Play Activity (30 minutes):

Create a sensory bin filled with fake snow or cotton balls and various items from the story (like a stick, footprints made from cardboard, etc.). Encourage children to touch and explore these items to enhance their sensory skills and understand the story better.

4. Snow Craft Activity (30 minutes):

Provide children with colored paper, scissors, glue, and crayons or markers to create their snowy day scene or a snowflake. This supports creativity and fine motor skills development.

5. Story Sequencing Activity (20 minutes):

Provide children with printed pictures from the story and have them sequence the events. This reinforces the story, helps with memory, and enhances comprehension.

6. Reflection and Conclusion (10 minutes):

Wrap up the lesson by asking children about their favorite part of the story and what they learned about snow.

Assessment:

Assess children’s understanding of the story, their ability to sequence events, their creative skills in the craft activity, and their engagement and understanding during the discussion.

Alignment with Montessori Method:

This lesson plan supports self-directed exploration, multi-sensory learning, and concrete learning experiences which align with Montessori principles.

Link to ELOF:

The lesson plan covers all key domains of the ELOF – enhancing language and literacy, cognition, social and emotional development, and perceptual, motor, and physical development, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging learning experience for preschool-aged children.