As I was driving to school this morning, I wondered if the snow we had last week was all part of a dream. Every time I saw something white, I turned my head. Is it snow? No, there are still white sheets covering plants (ghosts of snowmen) and litter of white plastic (ghosts of snow drifts). But our temperatures are back to normal southern winter, 40-60 degrees, and there are few signs that last week we were covered in snow.
My students were so eager to write about their experience last week, a historic snowstorm. Most reminisced about the snow-people they built. Some wrote a Slice of Life without my prompting. I spoke with a colleague whose students were similarly inspired to write.
Kailyn described her snow-person: “Let’s talk about what my snow woman was made out of. Her eyes were flowers from my mom’s office, her nose was obviously a carrot, and her lips were a jelly belly sour pucker lip. She wore a Mardi Gras scarf, quickly changed to a light up necklace along with a coffee cup in her hand. We stuck a branch of leaves in her head for hair.”
Carson’s mother sent me a photo of him making a snow angel.
James, 4th grade, wrote an I am From poem about a photo I posted of a Cajun Snowman.
I am from
The winter breeze
I am from
wearing jackets
I am from
The chilly snow
I am from
Drinking hot chocolate
I am from
Making snowmen
I encouraged my grandson, Leo, to create a journal page about the experiences we had together. His writing is coming along, but most of all, I’m excited that this is something we can do together. You have to love his signature.
I hope all of our children remember this experience, but we know it will fade, as the snow has faded. I decided to create a photobook for our family. No one seems to do photo albums anymore, so with a photobook, I can remember alongside my grandchildren, who are probably too young to remember. Maybe they will. The magical wonderland of Narnia. Our own time warp through the wardrobe.
Reflections on the Teche 
I love the pics and the poems and the stories. What an extraordinary time! And making a photo book will be the perfect way to make the memories last. James’ I Am From Poem captures all the delight of your winter enchantment.
Margaret, this is beautiful. Such a wonderful way to preserve in pictures the experiences shared! Did you read Sally’s post today? Check hers out – – she uses an app and makes picture books! Love the photos and the memories.
Margaret, these are wonderful pieces of writing. Love the snow angel photo, but I really want to see the margo gras snow angel! Around here kids wear flip flops and shorts in winter, even on a day like today w/ single digit temps.
Kailyn made her post into a slide deck, but I don’t have permission to use her family photos. It was cute!
It must have been so magical to have snow where you live. I love the freedom your students had to write in many different forms.
You have inspired me to try slicing with my granddaughter. Thank you!
A photo book is the perfect way to sit snuggled with a grandchild on your lap, sharing ‘The Historic Snowstorm’ because…’Y’all got a BUNCH of snow!!! 🙂
Margaret, I am glad that your students were able to see the snow with its winter white sparkle. Leo’s journal page is quite a good job of storytelling. I do love his signature. Our temperature went up to 52 degrees today-balmy weather.
Margaret, what fun to read the wonder and joy from you and your students. The poems, slices of life, the snow angel. Just precious!
Leo’s journal page is wonderful. So many fun details, and I do love his signature. “We did throw snow bolls.” is my favorite line.
Margaret, your post is wonderful! I love seeing the joy on Carson’s face! I can almost hear Kailyn describing her snow person; I love “her lips were a jelly belly sour pucker lip.” James’ I am from poem is so good and now he really knows that snow is “chilly” to touch. Leo’s journal page is precious. He writes so well, and he draws well, too. He even drew that the snowball was thrown with power. How old is Leo, now?
It’s great that your students and Leo wanted to write about their fun in the snow! Giving them the opportunity to write about their experience in the historical snowfall will help them to remember it all the more and maybe they’ll tell their own children about it one day.
Have fun creating your photo-book. Thank you for sharing your joy and fun. I’m happy for your students, your grandchildren, you, and that so many more were able to enjoy snow. 🙂
Thanks for your comment. Leo just turned 6. He’s in kindergarten. I helped him with some of the spelling. He’s learning so quickly.
Margaret,
I love this slice of yours! It shows you observing your students and nudging them to write about, as you say, a once in a life time experience – snow in LA!! My favorite part is the writing you did with your grandson. WOW! I love the illustrations and the writing and yes, his signature! Once again, we seem to be having similar ideas – we are both making photo books to hold onto moments to see them again and again! I love the the way you think.
Also, I didn’t get a chance to reply to your comment last week. So excited you made the plan to retire!! Sure, students will miss you but so happy for you to have more time with your grandkids. Clearly, you will be spending writing time with them!! Hurrah!!
Margaret – I love the joy snow brings and unexpected snow in Louisiana is doubly wonderful!