Forces of Nature can be integrated several ways into the school curriculum. Keep in mind that children of any age are likely to need help at some point in the story.

Does Snow Night tell a good story? If so, why? What makes a good story? Was Snow Night too scary? Or not scary enough? What did you like or dislike about the story? Write your own short choose-your-own-adventure type story. You might start with the sample story (print it off for children to examine, possibly placing each frame on a separate card or page).

Invite children to create posters that would inform others about the story. Think of them like small versions of the posters put outside movie theaters. Children might also be encouraged to draw portraits of characters or scenes from the story. I would be happy to install any art sent by children to this website for other young people to view. Please contact me and I will give you a forwarding address.

Forces of Nature has a strong environmental theme. Maize's house is filled with maps and other items associated with weather. Find websites that deal with weather and birds. How do vets care for birds that are hurt? How do birds communicate. What do their sounds and motion mean?

If you have other suggestions for using Forces of Nature in your school or after-school program, please send them to me. Thanks!