Discover fun and engaging winter activities to keep your toddlers entertained and educated during the chilly season. This blog aims to provide readers with an overview of our educational activities for the month, along with some directions on ideal activities to do at home, and some reading lists that can reinforce what we're learning in school
Winter-themed sensory play is a great way to introduce your toddlers to the wonders of the season. Create a sensory bin filled with fake snow, ice cubes, and winter-themed toys. Encourage your little ones to explore different textures and temperatures as they play. You can also use scented playdough in winter scents like peppermint or pine to engage their senses even further. This activity not only provides entertainment but also helps develop fine motor skills and sensory awareness.
Another fun idea for winter-themed sensory play is to freeze small toys or objects in ice cubes. Give your toddlers a tray of ice cubes and let them use warm water or toy hammers to melt the ice and discover the hidden treasures within. This activity promotes problem-solving skills and encourages curiosity and exploration.
Kipper's Snowy Day, by Mick Inkpen - Kipper loves the snow, so when he sees great white snowflakes tumbling down one morning, he can't wait to go outside! His friend Tiger is outside too, and together they have lots of fun playing in the snow. Making snow angels, having snowball fights, and building a wonderful snow-dog. Purchase via the link.
Winter by Allie Busby - There’s something special about each season of the year, wherever we live in the world. Follow the children in this book as they discover and explore the unique character of winter, through indoor and outdoor play. Sensory, detailed and child-centred, this is the perfect introduction for young children to the cycles of the year.
Winter Dance, by Marian Dane Bauer - Snow is coming, and it's time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the fox do? Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best, but the fox thinks otherwise--yet it's not until he meets a golden-eyed friend that he finds the perfect way to celebrate the snowfall.
Winter Babies (Babies in the Park), by Kathryn O Galbraith - Spirited, rhyming text and colorful, graphic art introduce an energetic cast of babies having an action-packed day of play in the park on a cheerful winter day.
Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes - This picture book about winter celebrates the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. From Caldecott Medalist and Newbery Honor author Kevin Henkes and acclaimed painter Laura Dronzek, the bestselling and award-winning creators of seasonal favorites When Spring Comes and In the Middle of Fall.
Building a snowman is a classic winter activity that toddlers can enjoy with adult supervision. Bundle up your little ones in warm winter clothes and head outside to build a snowman together. Show them how to roll snowballs and stack them to create the body and head of the snowman. Let them decorate the snowman with buttons, sticks, and a carrot for the nose. This activity promotes gross motor skills, creativity, and teamwork.
If you don't have access to real snow, you can create a snowman indoors using materials like cotton balls or white playdough. Provide your toddlers with various materials for decorating, such as googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and construction paper. They can use their imagination to design their own unique snowman.
Snow Bears by Martin Waddell - Imagine - three little bears, a game of snowballs, and hot toast by an open fire. These are the magical ingredients brought together in this wonderful family game of play and pretence.
One Winter's Day by Christina Butler - When Little Hedgehog's nest is blown away in a terrible storm he wraps up warmly and sets off for Badger's house. On his way Hedgehog meets lots of animals shivering in the wind and snow. One by one, he gives them his cosy mittens, hat and scarf. But will Little Hedgehog make it through the storm to safety?
The Wild Girl by Christopher Wormall - This is the story of a little girl and her small brown dog. They live all alone in a little cave high up on the mountainside in the middle of the great wide wilderness. Then one day in the bitter cold of winter, as they are returning to their cave, they see bear tracks in the snow . . .
Hibernation by Robin Nelson - Hibernation is a cycle that some animals go through every year. Most people know that bears hibernate. But why do they hibernate? And what other animals hibernate?
When the weather is too cold to go outside, indoor winter crafts are a perfect way to keep your toddlers entertained. Set up a crafting station with materials like paper, glue, scissors, and crayons. You can provide templates for winter-themed crafts like snowflakes, mittens, or snowmen, or let your toddlers create their own masterpieces.
Another fun indoor winter craft is making paper snowflakes. Show your toddlers how to fold a piece of paper and cut out different shapes to create unique snowflake designs. Hang the paper snowflakes on windows or walls to add a festive touch to your home. This activity helps develop fine motor skills, creativity, and spatial awareness.
Guess how much I love you in Winter by Sam McBratney - Big and Little Nutbrown Hare, from the multi-million-selling picture book Guess How Much I Love You, return for Winter. The captivating story is seasonally themed and beautifully illustrated.
William’s Winter Wish by Gillian Shields - William longs for it to snow. Maybe if he makes a wish on Grandpa's snow globe it will really happen. But disaster strikes when William drops the globe and breaks it! How can he say sorry to Grandpa, and will his wish ever come true?
The Snow Globe Family, by Jane O'Connor - Oh, when will it snow again? wonders the little family who lives in the snow globe. They long for a snowstorm? if only someone in the big family would pick up the snow globe and give it a shake. Baby would love to. She notices the little family, but the snow globe is too high for her to reach. But then Baby is alone during a snowstorm. Will the snow globe family get a chance to go sledding, too?
A Thing Called Snow, by Yuval Zommer - A gorgeous Christmas picture book that's destined to become a festive classic. Fox and Hare were born in spring, grew up in summer, and were best friends by autumn. When winter comes, they can't wait to jump, leap and, bounce in this thing called snow. But what exactly is snow? Join fox and hare on an Arctic journey as they ask all their friends to help them find
If the weather allows, take your toddlers on outdoor winter adventures to explore the beauty of the season. Go for a walk in a local park or nature trail and encourage your little ones to observe and touch the different elements of winter, such as frost on leaves or icicles hanging from branches. You can also go sledding or have a snowball fight if there is enough snow.
Remember to dress your toddlers warmly and provide them with appropriate winter gear like hats, gloves, and snow boots. Outdoor winter adventures not only provide physical exercise but also stimulate curiosity and appreciation for nature.
Snowy Day by Mick Manning - Aimed at children 3-6 years, the titles in t he early worm range provide youngsters with an introduction to weather. Illustrated throughout, Snowy Day looks at white trees, snowman, scarves, boots and hats.
The Big Freeze by Pippa Curnick - Shama and Bahama Llama can't wait for winter - skating, snowballs, hot chocolate . . . and best of all, the Winter Woolly Party! But when The Big Freeze suddenly arrives they discover that their jumpers are in a sorry state! Cue a MAJOR PANIC as everyone sets out on a wild race to Granny Brock's Jumper Shop to nab the perfect woolly jumpers.
Snow by Same Usher - Every child loves a snow day - no school and snowball fights galore! But Sam has to wait for his Grandad. Trying to hurry him up, Sam tells Grandad all the other kids have gone to the park... and all the local dogs... and all the zoo animals! Only when they finally arrive does Grandad see Sam was telling the truth - and both of them get stuck in having fun on their snow day!
The Frost Goblin by Abi Elphinstone- In Bertie Crash-Wallop's noisy family, it can sometimes feel like there is no room for a quiet boy like him. But when Bertie meets a family of goblins on the night of the deepest frost, is it possible he might make some magic and discover his own place in the world?
Cozy up with your toddlers and enjoy winter-themed storybooks during story time. Choose books that depict winter scenes, animals, or holidays like Christmas or Hanukkah. You can also incorporate props or puppets to make the storytelling more engaging for your little ones.
Encourage your toddlers to interact with the story by asking questions about the illustrations or characters. This activity helps develop language skills, imagination, and a love for reading.
The Boy & the Bear by Tracey Courderoy- When a lonely little boy receives an invitation to play written on a paper boat, it seems that he has found the best friend he's been longing for – at last! But Bear isn't quite the playmate the boy had imagined. If only he knew how to play games properly!
Once Upon A Snow Storm by Richard Johnson - The story of a father and his son who live by themselves in a cosy cabin in the woods. But, one day they are separated out in the beautifully falling snow. The boy is lost and falls asleep. When he wakes up he is surrounded by blinking eyes, a rabbit, a fox, an owl and all manner of other creatures have surrounded him! But with a bear hug he and the woodland animals become best of friends! But soon he misses his dad and so the animals bring him back home. The father opens up his heart and home, and lets nature and love envelop their previously lonely existence.
Travel through the Seasons: Wintertime by Annabel Griffin - Winter Time: See how habitats change during the coldest months of the year, and why you see less of the cute and furry creatures than in other seasons. Discover the science behind glittering snowflakes and leafless trees. Spy winter birds, and animals going into hibernation. A playful, humorous, engaging look at the science behind winter, with bright and vibrant illustrations, of animals and habitats.
This classic Christmas verse is well known to every parent and child preparing for Christmas and this beautifully illustrated new edition is the perfect Christmas gift for young and old.