The Wonder of a Snowflake:

Like me do you enjoy watching the snowflakes fall, or walking in the snow and catching snowflakes on your gloves? Do you wonder about snowflakes? I do. Snowflake Bentley is the story of William Bentley, a young boy who loved snow and his discovery of how to photograph the beauty of each individual flake.

A student mention the Children’s book Snowflake Bentley. Not remembering the book, I went internet exploring which led to the discovery of a fascinating new book and wonder of the beauty and uniqueness of creation. (All grading of assignments stopped.) If you missed the book, watch the Scholastic video based on Snowflake Bentley. For fun, watch a snowflake as it grows into a six-sided snowflakes in slow motion. National Science Foundation production Snowflakes Photographed By a New High Speed Camera  which introduces students to pioneer explorers and vocabulary related to different types of snowflakes. Both the vocabulary and photographs are awesome.

Six important concepts students can learn from Snowflake Bentley and William Bentley’s story.

1. Bentley pursued his interest with passion. He was committed to taking pictures of snowflakes to reveal their beauty. His parents helped to support him in his quest. Developing interests and following passions is an important character trait. Having adults who support, encourage, and affirm is also imperative.
2. Bentley shared his passion with others. He used his snowflake photographs as gifts, talked to groups, and published his pictures. Students need ways to share their interests with others as well. Often adults can help students to find creative and safe avenues to share.
3. Bentley worked hard for the joy of his discoveries, not for potential income. Some people are able to make large sums of money by pursuing their dreams. Others will find their joy in life through their passions, but support their interests through other jobs. Looking for entrepreneur opportunities is always positive and parents and teachers can provide valuable input.
4. Bentley persevered. When others made fun of him, he did not give up. When others were playing, he continued to work. When he took pictures for one whole winter and did not get one good photograph, he waited until the next winter and tried a new technique. He did not give up, and he looked for new solutions to his problems. Perseverance is an important life trait. Internal self-motivation is the secret, not external demands from parents and teachers.
5. Bentley was fascinated with nature. His research was finding ways to share the uniqueness of snowflakes. Bentley’s photographs of snowflakes are beautiful, filling the observer with the awe of the beauty in nature too small to observe without magnification.
6. Bentley had a personal mission. He wanted to take photographs of snowflakes so that he could leave the world with a gift of beauty. The photographs were not enough alone. He wanted to leave the world a special gift. How different our world would be if we all wanted to leave a gift.

When sharing this book with a student consider asking questions such as the ones below. Remember comprehension is increased with discussion.

• Why do you think William Bentley loved snow?
• How did Bentley know that the snowflakes were so beautiful?
• Why do you think it was so important for Bentley to take the photographs of the snowflakes?
• What did Bentley mean when he said his photographs were a gift to the world?
• What do you like best about Bentley?
• How are you like Bentley?
• How would you like to be more like Bentley?

Snowflake Bentley led me away from my to-do list task for the morning, but it was an exciting day of learning and being appreciative of God’s creation. That’s my passion for children, that they too will discover the wonder and awe of their world. Leave a comment about how you are sharing the wonder and awe of the world with your students.