Over and Under the Snow is a book that uncovers the “secret kingdom under the snow.” Children are offered a glimpse of where animals go during the winter months and what their homes look like. The artwork is beautiful–ethereal, soft and filled with atmospheric perspective.

I know this lesson looks a bit complicated, but don’t worry. I explain exactly what I did with my students and how you can create not only a similar project but a much better one. Really! I learned a thing or two.

I broke down the steps to how to make painted paper starting with how to mix colors. This is the fun part about painted paper so give it a try. You can also teach your students to mix the paints on their own.

Drawing the animals can be the most challenging part of the project (it was for my third graders) but I didn’t give them much help. For you, I create three drawing handouts that will help considerably in teaching this section of the lesson.

As with all my lesson, I show you what I’ve done and then offer alternatives so you can scale up or down (in this case, up) and create your own version of this lesson.

This lesson is great for integrating Art and Science, connecting with Literature and as an art activity for a Winter Unit.