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Over and Under the Snow
Last updated Friday, January 3, 2025
Author: Kate Messner
Date of Publication: 2011
ISBN: 0811867846
Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2025
Synopsis:
Over the snow, the world is hushed and white.
But under the snow is a secret world of squirrels and snowshoe hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals who live through the winter, safe and warm.
Over and Under the Snow takes readers on a cross country ski trip through the winter woods to discover the secret world of animals living under the snow.
| Note to readers: |
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Discover the wonder and activity that lies beneath
winter's snowy landscape in this magical book.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Has anyone seen snow? Where were you when you seen snow? Was it falling from the
sky?
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Does anyone know how to ski? Maybe snowboard? Ice Skate? The action of gliding across
snow?
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Can you think of some animals that might live in the snow? That might live over or under the
snow?
Vocabulary
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Secret – adj. Hidden from the knowledge of others
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Kingdom – noun. One or more basic divisions into which natural object is commonly
grouped.
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Shrew – noun. A small mouselike animal with a long-pointed snout and tiny eyes that lives
mostly on insects and worms.
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Glide – noun. The act or action of moving with a smooth continuous motion.
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Swoosh – noun. To make or move with a rushing sound.
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Vole – noun. A small animal that is a rodent which looks like a fat mouse or rat and is
sometimes harmful to crops.
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Snowshoe hare – noun. Slightly larger than a rabbit. Its furry coat helps them to live in
winter months.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What are the main characters doing at the start of the book?
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Name some of the animals we read about and tell me if they are over or under the snow?
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Why do you think animals under the snow?
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What was the first animal that went under the snow in our story?
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What is the difference between deer mice and deer in this story?
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Can you remember the names of animals that are both summer, springtime and under the
snow and maybe one that is scratching for food over the snow?
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Do you think being under covers, in your bed, is like being under the snow? Why?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Paper - Over and Under the Snow cut out
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Pick an animal from the story to draw and write about
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| Special activities: |
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Go to the back of the book to learn more about the other animals from the book
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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