Creating a Sensory-Friendly Experience with The Snowy Day Book: Activities for Autism Classrooms
- Heather
- Jan 3
- 4 min read
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The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a beloved children’s book that captures the simple joys of a snowy day through the eyes of a young boy named Peter. Its gentle narrative and vivid illustrations make it a perfect choice for early childhood classrooms. For educators working with autistic students, adapting this story into a sensory-friendly experience can enhance engagement and learning. This post explores how to create a welcoming environment around The Snowy Day and offers practical activities tailored for autism classrooms.
Why The Snowy Day Works Well for Sensory-Friendly Learning
The Snowy Day’s simple plot and clear, colorful images provide a calm and predictable story structure. This helps reduce anxiety and sensory overload for autistic children. The book’s focus on tactile experiences—like walking in snow, making footprints, and catching snowflakes—naturally invites sensory exploration.
The story’s pace allows time for children to process each scene without rushing. Its themes of curiosity and discovery encourage children to connect with their environment, which is especially beneficial for those who learn best through hands-on activities.
Preparing a Sensory-Friendly Reading Environment
Creating the right setting is key to making The Snowy Day accessible and enjoyable for autistic students. Here are some tips:
Minimize distractions: Choose a quiet, low-traffic area for reading. Use soft lighting and reduce background noise.
Provide sensory tools: Have items like weighted lap pads, fidget toys, or noise-canceling headphones available.
Use visual supports: Display picture schedules or storyboards to help children anticipate the reading session.
Allow movement breaks: Some children may need to stand, stretch, or move gently during the story.
These adjustments help students focus and feel comfortable, making the story more meaningful.
Sensory Activities Inspired by The Snowy Day
Engaging multiple senses helps reinforce understanding and enjoyment. Below are activities designed to connect with the book’s themes while supporting sensory needs.
1. Snow Texture Exploration
Materials: Fake snow (available as craft kits or made from baking soda and water), cotton balls, ice cubes, soft fabric.
Activity: Set up stations where children can touch and compare different textures related to snow. Encourage them to describe how each feels—cold, soft, wet, or dry. This hands-on experience links directly to Peter’s adventures in the snow.
2. Footprint Stamping
Materials: Paper, washable paint, sponges cut into footprint shapes.
Activity: Children dip the sponge footprints into paint and stamp them onto paper, creating their own snowy paths. This activity supports fine motor skills and connects to the footprints Peter makes in the story.
3. Snowflake Catching Game
Materials: Paper snowflakes, fan or gentle air blower.
Activity: Toss paper snowflakes into the air and encourage children to catch them. This game promotes hand-eye coordination and mimics Peter’s playful snowflake catching.
4. Sound Matching
Materials: Audio recordings of winter sounds (wind, crunching snow, footsteps).
Activity: Play sounds and ask children to identify or match them with pictures from the book. This supports auditory processing and links sensory input to the story.
5. Story Sequencing with Visual Cards
Materials: Illustrated cards showing key scenes from The Snowy Day.
Activity: Children arrange the cards in the order of the story. This visual sequencing helps with comprehension and memory.
Tips for Supporting Communication and Social Interaction
Many autistic children benefit from structured opportunities to express themselves and interact with peers. Here are ways to encourage communication around The Snowy Day:
Use simple, clear language when discussing the story.
Encourage children to share their own winter experiences or feelings about snow.
Pair children for turn-taking activities, such as stamping footprints or catching snowflakes.
Use visual choice boards to let children select which activity they want to try next.
These strategies build social skills in a low-pressure setting.
Adapting the Story for Different Sensory Preferences
Not all children respond to sensory input the same way. Some may find certain textures or sounds overwhelming. To accommodate this:
Offer alternative materials (e.g., soft fabric instead of fake snow).
Allow children to opt out of activities if they feel uncomfortable.
Use calming sensory tools like stress balls or weighted blankets during reading.
Adjust the volume and duration of sound activities.
Flexibility ensures every child can participate comfortably.
Incorporating Movement and Outdoor Learning
If possible, take the story beyond the classroom:
Organize a walk outside to observe real snow or nature in winter.
Encourage children to make footprints in snow or sand.
Use movement games that mimic Peter’s actions, like jumping or tiptoeing.
Outdoor activities provide natural sensory input and reinforce story themes.
Using Visual Supports and Technology
Visual aids help many autistic learners:
Create a story map with pictures and keywords.
Use interactive apps that retell The Snowy Day with animations and sound.
Display timers to signal activity transitions.
Technology and visuals can increase engagement and understanding.
Collaborating with Families
Families know their children best. Share ideas for sensory-friendly reading and activities at home:
Suggest reading The Snowy Day together with sensory props.
Encourage parents to create simple snow-related crafts.
Provide tips for managing sensory sensitivities during winter outings.
This partnership supports consistent learning and comfort.
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