• Winter is a crisp, cool season full of amazing sights and picturesque, pristine snowfalls. From math to English, teachers can effectively integrate seasonal lessons into their everyday lessons. Whether reading books set in snowy wonderlands or studying the complex structures of snowflakes, students will be interested in the material as it is seasonally relevant. The next time winter's chill sets in, use the change is climate as an opportunity to extend your students' learning and expose them to an array of interesting winter information.
  
  

Winter Books

• There are an assortment of books intended for younger children that center on winter themes and ideas. Check out popular favorites such as "Winter's Tale: An Original Pop-up Journey," by Robert Sabuda; "Tacky and the Winter Games," by Helen Lester; or "A Winter's Tale," by Beatrix Potter. All of these delightful children's classics include engaging text and attention-getting illustrations. As the snow falls outside, students will enjoy reading about others experiencing the sights and sounds of winter.
  
  

Science of Snow

• Explore the science behind snow in science class. Discuss the atmospheric conditions necessary to create this winter phenomenon. The National Snow and Ice Data Center offers a host of information about the conditions necessary for snow, including a virtual Antarctica site that allows students to navigate the cold and treacherous terrain of the frigid continent. Allow students to self-direct their learning by visiting links that interest them and gathering tidbits of information about snow. Then discuss the concept as a class and allow students to share their findings to develop a full understanding of how snow occurs.
  
  

Symmetry of Snowflakes

• Explore the concept of symmetry through the study of snowflakes. To the untrained eye, snowflakes seem like tiny, amorphous fluff balls, but in truth they are intricate, complex structures. Start by looking at magnified pictures of real snowflakes. The book "The Secret Life of a Snowflake" contains magnified images of these natural wonders. After students have reviewed the intricacies of natural snowflakes, explain the concept of symmetry and explore symmetrical structures. Then allow students to create their own symmetrical snowflakes using the traditional folded paper method. Display the student-created beauties throughout the room, turning your class into a winter wonderland.