A Writing Root for The Snowman

Main Outcome(s):

Writing in role; generating dialogue; writing a poem; writing a card and creating a narrative sequel 

Length:

10+ sessions, 2 weeks

Overview and Outcomes:

This is a two-week Whole School Writing Root for The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. Children arrive to discover a snowy scene/wintry themed class or space. They move to music; sing; dance and retell the adventure story, giving words to the narrative of this classic wordless picture book. They engage with age-appropriate writing outcomes with distinct audiences and purposes, culminating in an own-version narrative. 

This resource has been designed to be used by an entire school to foster a shared learning experience around one text and to engender written outcomes – some with the same audiences and purposes, some not – that are ‘at pitch’ for each phase/stage but that will also aid revision, catch-up and extension where (and in whichever form) needed. We have planned for activities at different stages, grouped into key-stages: Reception with Year 1, Year 2 with Year 3 and then Year 4 to Year 6, or grouped simply into EYFS with KS1 and KS2. Where this is the grouping, there are opportunities for differentiation within to ensure that the pitch of sessions is appropriate. The resource is intended to form the basis upon which schools and teachers can create and shape a sequence of learning that will work well in their context. The sessions could be added to with art activities and through further learning in PSHE, science, geography and history.

Synopsis of Text:

After the snow settles on a cold winter's day, a little boy builds a Snowman. Later that night, under the glittering stars, the Snowman comes to life!

Together they fly through the night sky on a breathtaking and magical journey, until the sun comes up and it's time to go home...

This edition of the classic tale from Raymond Briggs features stunningly rendered new artwork based on the 1982 film, alongside beautifully written story narration.

Links:

Snow, winter, Christmas, magic