Core Subject: Social Studies, English Language Arts, Science
Instructional Materials: Social Studies, Science
 
The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.

In each cutaway scene, see what the child cannot—that underground below his feet are dens with sleeping creatures, and within the hollow trunks of trees, animals are nesting. After the story, annotated illustrations explain the spring facts for each animal and what they will do when they wake up for spring.

Cozy up as you expand your knowledge of the science of the natural world.
 
If you like this check out our Spring Nature Academy Curriculum.