Dust of Snow
The way a crow
Shook down on me
The dust of snow
From a hemlock tree
Has given my heart
A change of mood
And saved some part
Of a day I had rued.
— Robert Frost
Download File: Robert Frost – Winter Poems
Quote of the Day – 3
Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful; for beauty is God’s handwriting.
~~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Good Hours
I had for my winter evening walk—
No one at all with whom to talk,
But I had the cottages in a row
Up to their shining eyes in snow.
And I thought I had the folk within:
I had the sound of a violin;
I had a glimpse through curtain laces
Of youthful forms and youthful faces.
I had such company outward bound.
I went till there were no cottages found.
I turned and repented, but coming back
I saw no window but that was black.
Over the snow my creaking feet
Disturbed the slumbering village street
Like profanation, by your leave,
At ten o’clock of a winter eve.
— Robert Frost
Download File: Robert Frost – Winter Poems
The God of Peace
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.
~~ Philippians 4:4-9, New Living Translation
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
— Robert Frost
Download File: Robert Frost – Winter Poems
Little Children
Mark 10:14-16
13 Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
Quote of the Day – 1
Another year is dawning,
dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting,
another year with Thee.
Another year of progress,
another year of praise,
Another year of proving
Thy presence all the days.
~~ Frances Havergal
Teaching Children to Get Along and Share
There is a nice series of books by Cheri Meiners that is suitable to teach young children to share, talk through their feelings, and get along to make friends. There are also books on listening, following the rules, and staying safe. The sentences are simple and sweet, and easy for young children to read and understand.
The books in this series include:
- Join In and Play
- Cool Down and Work Through Anger
- Talk and Work it Out
- Share and Take Turns
- Be Polite and Kind
- Respect and Care of Things
- When I Feel Afraid
- Listen and Learn
- Be Careful and Stay Safe
- Understand and Care
- Know and Follow the Rules
- Accept and Value Each Person
This is a great series for a home or school library. The books have so many great ideas to help children learn to be thoughtful, kind, and respectful of others.
Sing a Season Song
“Sing a Season Song” by Jane Yolen is similar to “Best in Snow” by April Pulley Sayre, however it details all the seasons instead of just winter. There are few words, but they are beautiful, descriptive and well-chosen. It is a good book for studying seasons, animals, poetry, and rhymes. The illustrations are beautiful and detailed, and suitable for a drawing study. This is a very pleasant book!
Sing a Song of Seasons
“Sing a Song of Seasons”, edited by Fiona Waters and illustrated by Frann Preston-Gannon is one of our favorite poetry books. It is a collection of 366 nature poems, one poem for each day. There are lots of traditional favorites and lots of lesser known poems. There is also a good mix of short poems and long poems. We have been encouraged to learn about many new-to-us poets and the other poems that they have written. On many days we love to look up the ‘poem of the day’, copy it out, and draw a picture similar to the illustrations or new from our imaginations. It is a perfect book for a home or school library, to be read and referenced over and over again.
One Day at a Time
One day at a time, with its failures and fears,
With its hurts and mistakes, with its weakness and tears,
With its portion of pain and its burden of care;
One day at a time we must meet and must bear.
One day at a time to be patient and strong,
To be calm under trial and sweet under wrong;
Then its toiling shall pass and its sorrow shall cease;
It shall darken and die, and the night shall bring peace.
One day at a time – but the day is so long,
And the heart is not brave, and the soul is not strong,
O Thou pitiful Christ, be Thou near all the way;
Give courage and patience and strength for the day.
Swift cometh His answer, so clear and so sweet;
“Yea, I will be with thee, thy troubles to meet;
I will not forget thee, nor fail thee, nor grieve;
I will not forsake thee; I never will leave.”
Not yesterday’s load we are called on to bear,
Nor the morrow’s uncertain and shadowy care;
Why should we look forward or back with dismay?
Our needs, as our mercies, are but for the day.
One day at a time, and the day is His day;
He hath numbered its hours, though they haste or delay.
His grace is sufficient; we walk not alone;
As the day, so the strength that He giveth His own.
— by Annie Johnson Flint (1866-1932)
Away in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;
the stars in the heavens looked down where He lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
and stay by my side until morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay
close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
and fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.
Source: Away in a Manger – Hymnary.Org
Glory to God in the Highest!
Luke 2:8-20
8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.
Christ is Born
Luke 2:1-7
2 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Christ’s Birth Announced to Mary
Luke 1:26-38
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”
38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Joy to the World
Joy to the world! The Lord is come:
let earth receive her King;
let ev’ry heart prepare him room,
and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n and nature sing,
and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.
Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns:
let men their songs employ;
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat the sounding joy,
repeat, repeat the sounding joy.
No more let sins and sorrows grow,
nor thorns infest the ground;
he comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found,
far as the curse is found,
far as, far as the curse is found.
He rules the world with truth and grace,
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love,
and wonders, wonders of his love.
Source: Joy to the World – Hymnary.Org
O Come All Ye Faithful
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him, born the King of angels.
O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above;
Glory to God, all glory in the highest.
O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning:
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n;
Word of the Father, late in flesh appearing.
O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;
O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Source: O Come All Ye Faithful – Hymnary.Org
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
Peace on earth and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
Christ, by highest heaven adored;
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of the Virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail the incarnate Deity,
Pleased as man with man to dwell;
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace
Hail the Son of Righteousness
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die:
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King!”
Source: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing – Hymnary.Org
The Twelve Days of Christmas
On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Five gold rings,
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Six geese a laying, five gold rings,
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five gold rings,
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eighth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,
Five gold rings,
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the ninth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Nine drummers drumming, eight maids a milking,
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five gold rings,
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Ten pipers piping, nine drummers drumming, eight maids a milking,
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five gold rings,
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping, nine drummers drumming
Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,
Five gold rings,
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
Twelve Lords a leaping, eleven ladies dancing, ten pipers piping,
Nine drummers drumming, eight maids a milking
Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five gold rings,
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree, and a partridge in a pear tree.
Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel
In “Dragons Love Tacos 2: The Sequel” by Adam Rubin, there are no more tacos! The dragons are so sad about this. The boy, his dog, and some dragons go on a time-travel adventure. They land prior to the taco party incident of the first book to collect some tacos. They want to plant them and grow taco trees! Various funny things occur when the dragons accidentally eat tacos with spicy salsa and experience ‘the tummy troubles’. As with the first book, the illustrations by Daniel Salmieri are a perfect fit for this hilarious sequel.
Dragons Love Tacos
“Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin is a really funny book about a boy, his dog, and many dragons. The dragons love tacos and parties, and especially taco parties. However, they cannot have spicy salsa on their tacos because it gives them ‘the tummy troubles’. One day, at a party with great music, decorations and tacos, something goes wrong – the dragons eat spicy salsa by accident, and set the house on fire! Later, they help to rebuild it, while eating tacos on their breaks. The illustrations by Daniel Salmieri fit the story and humor perfectly. There is even a sequel!
Owl Moon
“Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen is a Caldecott Medal award winning book. It is a sweet, interesting story about a father and child’s special time together, participating in a family tradition called ‘owling’. The father and child go out together, late on a winter’s night when the moon is full. The child knows to be very quiet, to be ok in the cold, and to be brave. The father calls for an owl and they patiently wait, hoping for an owl to call back. Finally, they hear an owl and see it fly from a tree. The father turns on his flashlight so they can see it clearly. They are so happy to see it, and to share this experience together.
Picture Book Studies
Here are some example lessons that can be done with any picture book. You can do any or all of the lessons, depending on your time, your goals, and the interest of your students. It would require a lot of focus to do all eight lessons, even briefly, in one day, but it is possible if your students are interested and dedicated. If your students are interested in long, detailed stories and reports, and many detailed drawings, it may take even up to twenty days. Generally, however, one to two days would be great for an overview of several lessons, and five to ten days would be sufficient for depth studies of all eight lessons.
- Read a story to your students.
- Ask them to read the story to you, taking turns by page, or reading as long as a student feels comfortable.
- Ask them to write out what the story was about and draw a picture.
- Ask them to write their own story using their own selection of words from the story you read.
- Ask them to write a story about their own winter adventure.
- Learn about the animals, people, and/or places mentioned in the story.
- Draw the animals, people and/or places.
- Create a portfolio or other book to showcase their work.
Midnight in the Mountains
“Midnight in the Mountains” by Julie Lawson and Sheena Lott is a nice winter story about a little girl and her family at a cabin in the mountains. The girl tells about what her brother, dog, and parents do over a few days. They make snow angels, go exploring, play with icicles, and go dog-sledding and skiing. She describes the sounds that she hears: the quiet hush of the falling snow, the soft brushing of the wings of owls, and the noise of huskies barking and wolves howling. She loves in there in the mountains, for the experience and the time with her family.
Penguins, Penguins Everywhere!
“Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere!” is a short, rhyming story about – you guessed it! – penguins. At the end, there are several pages with interesting facts about penguins and an illustrated list of the different kinds of penguins in the world.
Hearts Are Like Doors
Hearts, like doors, will open with ease
To very, very little keys,
And don’t forget that two of these
Are “Thank you, sir” and “If you please.”
— Anonymous
Icy Morning Haiku
On a frozen pond
a small dog is nervously
attempting to skate.
Way up in the tree
a black cat grins with delight,
watching and waiting.
Beneath the clear ice
a big fish wonders if all
dogs walk on water.
— James Carter
Best in Snow
“Best in Snow” by April Pulley Sayre is a nice book about how snow falls in the winter. It features several animals, such as a squirrel, a deer, and a blue jay. There are few words, but they are interesting and descriptive. The photos are detailed and beautiful. At the end of the book, there is useful information about water, snow, and ice. This book is very enjoyable.
Sudden Storm
The rain comes in sheets
Sweeping the streets,
Here, here, and here,
Umbrellas appear.
Red, blue, yellow, green,
They tilt and they lean,
Like mushrooms, like flowers,
That grow when it showers.
— Elizabeth Coatsworth
The Rain
Rain on the green grass
And rain on the tree,
Rain on the house top
But not upon me.
— Anonymous
Making the Moose Out of Life
“Making the Moose out of Life” by Nicholas Oldland is cute and funny story about a moose who learns to be brave and try new things. At first, he just sits out and watches his friends. He feels like he is missing something though, and one day he takes a chance and gets on a boat. Unfortunately, he is caught in a storm and ends up on a small island. He decides to be brave, learns to take care of himself and have fun, and meets a new friend. One day, he is rescued and reunited with his old friends. They are happy to see his willingness to try new things and enjoy life in a new way.
Love is Patient
1st Corinthians 13:4-8
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.
Little Fish
The tiny fish enjoy themselves
in the sea.
Quick little splinters of life,
their little lives are fun to them
in the sea.
— D. H. Lawrence
Salt and Light
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The Star
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are!
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
When the blazing sun is gone,
When he nothing shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, all the night.
Then the traveler in the dark
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
In the dark blue sky you keep,
Yet often through my window peep,
For you never shut your eye,
Till the sun is in the sky.
As your bright but tiny spark
Lights the traveler in the dark,
Though I know not what you are,
Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
— Jane Taylor
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