The Mitten by Jan Brett: Printable Picture Book Activities for Grades 1-3
The Mitten by Jan Brett is one of our favorite Jan Brett Books. While it’s sweet and simple, there are lots of fun learning opportunities to go along with it.
I had way too much fun creating this picture book companion for The Mitten for grades 1-3. It includes skill-building in reading comprehension, sequencing, vocabulary, writing, science, math, and more.
Whether you’re planning winter literacy centers, a January book study, or cozy homeschool lessons, this resource brings The Mitten to life with engaging, hands-on activities that help students build essential skills while exploring and enjoying this classic winter story.
Why Teachers and Moms Love The Mitten
If you’ve ever picked up a Jan Brett book, you probably recognize her style right away. Her illustrations are famous for their detailed, decorative borders. Often, the main story unfolds in the center of the page, while the borders add clues, humor, or parallel action.
In The Mitten, a little boy loses one of his new mittens in the snow. Before long, animals begin to squeeze inside to stay warm. It’s simple, short, funny, and one of those books little ones seem to love hearing over and over.
The winter setting also provides natural connections to animal science, creative writing, math, and discussions about sharing, cooperation, and problem-solving.
With the right activities, this one picture book can become an entire week of engaging lessons!
What’s Included in the Mitten Book Companion Pack?
The Mitten Book Companion Pack is loaded with activities designed to foster literacy-based learning.
Here’s a peek at what’s included:
1. Reading Comprehension Activities
Help students build understanding with story-based questions and activities that encourage them to think about the characters, setting, and events.
2. Story Sequencing
Students can practice retelling the story in the correct order with a cut-and-paste sequencing activity. It’s a fun, hands-on way to reinforce beginning, middle, and end!
3.Vocabulary Word Work
Give students opportunities to explore important vocabulary and build language skills as they connect words to the story.
4. Emergent Reader Activity
The “I Can Draw Who Is in the Mitten” activity combines drawing and early literacy, allowing students to represent the animals they remember from the book all while creating a book of their own.
5. Writing Prompt and Craftivity: If I Had a Mitten…
Encourage creativity with a writing activity that invites students to imagine what they would do if they had a mitten of their own. Pair writing with a craft for a fun winter display!
6 Animal Sorting and Science
Extend learning beyond reading with animal sorting and science pages that encourage students to explore the animals featured in the story.
7. Oral Narration and Discussion
Use the included activities and discussion questions to encourage thoughtful conversations about characters, getting along, and solving problems together.
8. Math Activities
Keep the learning cross-curricular with math problems inspired by the story. Students can practice math skills while staying connected to the book’s winter theme.
9. Bonus Mitten Craft Template
The bonus printable mitten template is perfect for adding a creative touch to your winter classroom activities!
Be sure to check the Etsy listing’s preview images for a complete look at the included activities.
Perfect for Winter Literacy Centers and More!
If you are like me and enjoy building and learning from books, this is a good one. Here are a few ways The Mitten picture book companion can be used:
Here are a few ideas:
- Homeschool enrichment: Create a fun, book-based learning unit that combines multiple subjects.
- Winter literacy centers: Set up engaging stations for independent practice or small-group learning.
- January reading activities: Bring some seasonal excitement to your literacy block after winter break.
- Picture book studies: Pair the activities with a read-aloud of The Mitten for a more in-depth study.
- Small-group instruction: Choose activities that reinforce specific skills your students need to practice.
- Substitute plans: Keep seasonal learning organized with ready-to-use printable activities.
- Winter bulletin boards: Display students’ mitten crafts and creative writing for a festive classroom touch.
Make Winter Learning Fun and Meaningful
Winter is the perfect time to slow down, enjoy a great picture book, and create learning experiences your students will enjoy and remember.
Instead of planning separate activities for every subject, use The Mitten as the foundation for a cross-curricular unit. Students can read, write, sort, solve problems, create crafts, and discuss important social skills—all while exploring a story they’ll love.
My The Mitten Book Companion Pack helps make that planning easier by bringing a variety of winter-themed learning activities together in one printable resource.
It’s designed with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade learners in mind, making it a wonderful addition to your winter teaching toolbox.
Ready to Add Some Winter Magic to Your Lessons?
If you’re planning a winter book study, refreshing your literacy centers, or searching for engaging January activities, this The Mitten Book Companion Pack is ready to help!
Visit my Etsy shop to explore the resource and preview the included activities. Give your students an opportunity to build essential skills, express their creativity, and enjoy this classic winter picture book in new ways.
Happy reading and winter learning!
