The Snowy Day




The Snowy Day
By: Ezra Jack Keats
Genre: Fiction
Ages 4-7

  This story is about a little boy named Peter who goes outside on a really snowy day. Peter loves the snow. He makes snow angles, snowmen and even pretends to be a mountain climber in the snow. He brings home a snowball to keep at his house but it melts and Peter is very sad. The next day there was still snow outside and Peter got to play all over again! Students in our area can relate to playing in the snow. Children will love to see what Peter does in the snow. Many winter activities can go along with this book!


Theme:
When we are writing, we can use words that really help the reader understand what we are writing about. These words are called “descriptive words.” Using descriptive words in our writing makes our writing very interesting and real. The author of The Snowy Day uses many descriptive words in the book. These words help us feel like we are outside with Peter in the snow.


About the author:
Ezra Jack Keats is famous for giving the African American child a spot in American children's literature. When he passed away in 1983, he had illustrated 85 children's books and written and illustrated 24 children's classic stories. His work helped set the tone for multicultural literature today.


Pre-reading activities:
Before reading the book explain to the students that the author of the book uses many descriptive words. Ask the class to come up with as many descriptive words they can think of and write them on the board. While reading, have the students pick out the descriptive words they see and hear.


Post-reading activities:
Each student will write their own story about what they like to do in the snow using as many descriptive words as they can. Then they will read the aloud and share their stories with their peers.  

Source used:
http://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/