As the winter season blankets {some parts of} the world in snow, it’s the perfect time to bring frosty themes into your classroom lessons. One of the most magical skills to teach during this season is inferencing. By using winter-themed picture books, you can invite students to think critically, read between the lines, and immerse themselves in the beauty of snow-filled adventures. Below, I’ve curated a list of engaging winter books paired with inferencing activities to help you bring this skill to life. Plus, I’ve included a sneak peek at an inferencing activity I created for the delightful story Just Snow Already!
The Story of Snow by Mark Cassino
This nonfiction picture book is a treasure trove of scientific information about snowflakes and their formation. The vivid illustrations and detailed explanations make it an excellent choice for teaching inferencing.
Inferencing Activity: Before reading, show students close-up photos of snowflakes (many of which can be found in the book). Ask them, “What do you think makes each snowflake unique?” or “What clues in these images suggest how snowflakes form?” After reading, have students compare their inferences with the information provided in the book, discussing how they used text and visual evidence to refine their thinking.
Blizzard by John Rocco
This beautifully illustrated story recounts the author’s childhood experience of a massive snowstorm. The narrative and visuals are rich with clues, making it perfect for inferencing practice.
Inferencing Activity: As you read, pause to ask questions like, “How do you think the boy feels about the blizzard?” or “What might happen next based on the footprints in the snow?” Encourage students to use text evidence, illustrations, and their own background knowledge to justify their responses. After finishing the book, challenge students to create a “What happens after the story ends?” illustration and share the clues that led to their predictions.
Looking to go beyond inferencing? I’ve created a full picture book companion resource for Blizzard that encompasses many reading and writing skills for the classroom. This ready-to-print resource is designed to make your planning a breeze and ensure students are fully engaged in learning.
Snow Globe Wishes by Erin Dealey
This heartwarming story captures the magic of a snowstorm bringing a community together. Its poetic language and evocative illustrations provide ample opportunities for inferencing.
Inferencing Activity: Ask students to infer the family’s emotions as they huddle inside during the storm. Use prompts like, “How do the colors in the illustrations make you feel?” or “What clues tell us how the characters are feeling?” Extend the activity by having students write about what they would wish for if they could step into the snow globe themselves, including the clues from the story that inspired their ideas.
Bringing it All Together: Just Snow Already
If you’re looking for an additional inferencing resource, I’ve created a comprehensive activity for Just Snow Already that you can find on my Teachers Pay Teachers store. This activity engages students in identifying clues, making predictions, and supporting their inferences with evidence from the story.
Final Thoughts
Teaching inferencing doesn’t have to feel like trudging through a snowstorm. With these winter-themed books and activities, you’ll warm your students’ hearts while building critical reading skills. Do you have a favorite winter book or inferencing activity? Share it in the comments—I’d love to add it to my classroom collection!
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