A Chubby Snowman: Christmas Poem for K12

The Chubby Snowman poem is a Christmas classic, using simple but effective language, and leaving room for lots of actions and performance activities!

The below lesson plan is a sample of how you can use The Chubby Snowman in a younger class. We’ve also shared some extension and homework activities too!

Objective: Students will analyze and interpret the Christmas poem “The Chubby Snowman” by selecting key elements, discussing its themes, and creating their own creative interpretations.

Duration: 2 class periods (45 minutes each)

Materials:

• Copies of the poem “The Chubby Snowman” for each student
• Whiteboard and markers
• Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, crayons, etc.)
• Large chart paper and markers

Preparation:

1. Make enough copies of the poem “The Chubby Snowman” for each student.
2. Set up the classroom with the necessary materials for the creative activity.
3. Familiarize yourself with the poem and its themes.

Note: Ensure that students have a basic understanding of poetry and its elements before beginning this lesson.

Poem Words: A Chubby Snowman

A chubby little snowman
Had a carrot nose
Along came a rabbit
And what do you suppose?
That hungry little bunny,
Looking for his lunch,
ATE the snowman’s
carrot nose . . .
Nibble, nibble, CRUNCH!

Day 1: Introduction and Analysis

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

   • Begin the lesson by asking students if they know what a poem is and if they’ve heard or read any Christmas-themed poems before.
   • Introduce the poem “The Chubby Snowman” by explaining that it’s a fun and whimsical Christmas poem.

2. Reading and Discussion (20 minutes)

   • Distribute copies of the poem to each student.
   • Read the poem aloud as a class, and then have individual students take turns reading each stanza.
   • Lead a discussion about the poem, asking questions such as:
     • What is the poem about?
     • Who is the chubby snowman? What do we know about him?
     • What are some words or phrases that help you picture the snowman?
     • Do you notice any rhyming words or patterns in the poem?

3. Identifying Key Elements (10 minutes)

   • Write the following elements on the whiteboard: setting, characters, theme, and mood.
   • Discuss each element and ask students to identify these elements in the poem “The Chubby Snowman.”

4. Group Activity: Element Analysis (15 minutes)

   • Divide students into small groups.
   • Assign each group one of the key elements (setting, characters, theme, mood) to analyze in the poem.
   • Have each group discuss and list examples of their assigned element from the poem.
   • Ask each group to share their findings with the class.

Day 2: Creative Interpretation and Art Activity

1. Recap and Discussion (10 minutes)

   • Begin the second day by briefly recapping the key elements of the poem discussed on the previous day.

2. Creative Interpretation (15 minutes)

   • Explain to students that they will be creating their own interpretation of the chubby snowman using words and phrases from the poem.
   • Allow students to work individually or in pairs.
   • Provide them with art supplies and encourage them to draw the chubby snowman based on their interpretation of the poem.

3. Sharing and Presentation (15 minutes)

   • Have each student or pair share their creative interpretations with the class.
   • Ask them to explain the choices they made and how their interpretation connects to the poem.

4. Reflective Discussion (10 minutes)

   • Lead a discussion about the different interpretations presented by students.
   • Ask questions like:
     • How did your interpretation compare to your classmates’ interpretations?
     • How did the poem inspire your artwork?

Assessment:

• Participation in class discussions and group activities.
• Quality and creativity of the creative interpretation artwork.
• Understanding and application of key elements in the poem.

Homework (Optional): Students can write a short paragraph about what the chubby snowman might do on Christmas Day based on their interpretation of the poem.

Extension Activity (Optional): Students can write their own Christmas-themed poems using the structure and rhyming pattern of The Chubby snowman poem.

Read Next: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Lesson Plan

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Lesson Plan

Also Read: 30 Fun Christmas Activities for Kids (That You’ll Get a Kick Out of, Too)