Several themes are present in the book. Students can pick a theme to explore and should support their choice with specific details or events from the text. One prominent theme is “friendship”. In all three stories, Poppleton learns a little bit more about what being a friend really means.
Example 1:
Patrick, a finch, accidentally knocks down all of Poppleton's icicles. Poppleton doesn't get mad and instead they build a picket fence out of icicles. Poppleton and Patrick become friends.
Example 2:
Poppleton thinks all his friends are too busy to go on a sleigh ride. Poppleton's friends end up surprising him on his birthday with treats and a sleigh ride.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies a theme in Poppleton in Winter. Illustrate examples and write a short description below each cell.
Lead a meaningful class discussion by first asking students what friendship means to them. Encourage students to share examples from their own lives or from the book, and guide them to connect these ideas with Poppleton's experiences. This builds personal connections to the story.
Divide students into small groups and have each group illustrate one way Poppleton shows friendship. Let them use markers, paper, or digital tools to design their section. Combine all sections to make a class friendship poster to display in your room.
Assign students to act out scenes from Poppleton in Winter that highlight friendship. Give each student a role and encourage expression and teamwork. This activity helps students internalize the theme through performance.
Ask students to write a short journal entry about a time they were a good friend or someone was a good friend to them. Invite volunteers to share their stories. This personalizes the lesson and builds empathy in your classroom.
Friendship is the main theme in Poppleton in Winter. Throughout the book, Poppleton discovers what it means to be a good friend through acts of kindness, understanding, and celebrating together with others.
Ask students to find examples of friendship in the story and create a storyboard. Have them illustrate scenes and describe how Poppleton and his friends show kindness, cooperation, and support for each other.
One example is when Patrick knocks down Poppleton’s icicles by accident, but instead of getting upset, they work together and build a picket fence, strengthening their friendship. Another is when Poppleton’s friends surprise him with a sleigh ride and treats for his birthday.
Have students choose a theme from the book, such as friendship, and create a storyboard. They should draw key scenes and write a short description for each, explaining how it connects to the theme.
Friendship is important in Poppleton in Winter because it teaches children about empathy, cooperation, and the joy of sharing experiences with others, which are valuable life skills for students in grades 2–3.