The chilly air, frosted windows, and the magic of snowfall make winter a truly special time of year. It’s the perfect season for teachers, childcare workers, and daycare providers to engage preschoolers in fun and educational activities that celebrate winter wonders. Whether exploring seasonal changes, learning about animals in winter, or creating snowy crafts, here are three activities that bring excitement and learning into the classroom.
Circle Time Story: Exploring Winter Through Books
Circle time is a great way to introduce preschoolers to the wonders of winter. This is a time when the teacher or childcare provider gathers children together for songs, stories, and interactive discussions. A well-chosen winter-themed book can spark curiosity and encourage young learners to explore the season’s characteristics. Some excellent winter story options include:
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
The Mitten by Jan Brett
For this activity, we’ll use The Snowy Day as our example. The story follows a little boy, Peter, as he experiences the magic of a snowy day. He makes footprints, builds snowmen, and enjoys playing outside in the winter weather.
Activity Steps:
Begin by asking children about their experiences with winter: “What happens when it gets cold outside?” or “What do you like to do in the snow?”
Read The Snowy Day, pausing to ask questions about the story’s events, such as “What do you think will happen next?”
Discuss winter clothing and how it helps keep us warm. Show real winter items like mittens, scarves, and boots.
Encourage children to recall their favorite part of the story and share it with the group.
Through this activity, children develop literacy skills, expand their vocabulary, and learn about winter concepts in an engaging way.
Craft: Snowy Handprint Mitten Art
What better way to celebrate winter than with a fun and hands-on craft? This mitten craft allows children to explore textures and colors while strengthening their fine motor skills.
Materials Needed:
Blue and white construction paper
White paint
Glue
Cotton balls
Scissors (for adult use)
Activity Steps:
Have children place their hands on blue construction paper, and trace their handprint to create mitten shapes.
Cut out the mitten shapes (teachers or adults can assist younger children).
Let children dip their fingers into white paint and dab them onto the mittens to create a snowy effect.
Tear apart cotton balls and glue them along the edges of the mittens for a fluffy, cozy look.
Once dry, display the mitten crafts on a bulletin board for a fun winter wonderland scene!
This simple yet creative activity allows children to explore textures while developing their artistic abilities.
Song: “Five Little Snowflakes”
Songs and movement activities are excellent ways to enhance learning while keeping children engaged. The song Five Little Snowflakes introduces counting skills and rhyming while incorporating playful hand movements.
Lyrics: (To the tune of “Five Little Ducks”)
Five little snowflakes floating to the floor,
One melted away, and then there were four.
Four little snowflakes drifting past me,
One melted away, and then there were three.
Three little snowflakes landing on my shoe,
One melted away, and then there were two.
Two little snowflakes having so much fun,
One melted away, and then there was one.
One little snowflake sitting on my nose,
It melted away, and then there were none!
Activity Steps:
Teach children the song by singing it together while using hand motions to represent falling snowflakes.
Have children pretend to be snowflakes and move around as they “melt” away.
Repeat the song, allowing different children to act as snowflakes each time.
This interactive activity strengthens counting skills, encourages movement, and enhances language development.
Bringing Winter Wonders to Life
These three winter-themed activities allow preschoolers to explore the season while developing key skills such as literacy, creativity, and motor coordination. By incorporating engaging stories, hands-on crafts, and playful songs, teachers and caregivers can create a magical and educational winter experience for young learners.
So, grab a cozy blanket, some winter books, and get ready to bring the wonders of winter to life in your classroom!
Happy teaching!
About The Author:
Sheika Petteway, Chief ENCOURAGING Officer
She provides educational and leadership training to individuals and organizations. She is the founder and CEO of Elite Educational Enterprises and has several years experience serving in the early childhood education industry.
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