When the temperatures drop, bring the educational fun indoors with these fun, easy activities for infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
Groundhog Day is a tradition observed in the United States on February 2nd each year. According to this ancient German tradition brought to America, if a groundhog comes out of its burrow on this day, sees its shadow and runs back into its burrow, this means six more weeks of winter weather. If the groundhog sees no shadow, this means an early spring.
Teach children about this fun tradition while they create their own groundhogs in burrows with this activity using simple materials from The GIANT Encyclopedia of Kindergarten Activities.
printable Art Individual ChildThis activity from The GIANT Encyclopedia of Art & Craft Activities for Children 3 to 6 is sure to provide some sensory fun for young children using easy-to-find materials! Children will reap multi-disciplinary benefits from this activity from creatively using their senses and learning about primary and secondary colors to gaining vocabulary and pre-literacy skills, math skills, and more.
printable Literacy Art Sensory Individual ChildSometimes when it rains, children may feel cooped up and exhibit challenging behaviors. Teachers have to create their own sunshine inside by finding ways to keep children active and engaged indoors. Help children create their own sunshine band hats & form their own sunshine band to chase away the clouds and rain with this activity! The noise may wake up the whole school, but marching is a good way to stimulate the brain and have some active fun. For more ideas that make being stuck inside fun, get the book Rainy Day Activities by Dr. Jean Feldman.
Movement and Play Seasonal Learning: WinterDuring winter, or any other time where there is inclement weather that keeps children indoors, it can be difficult to find ways to keep children entertained, learning, and focusing their energy in positive ways. Not to fear! Banish Boredom is here! Check out these three activities from the book that you can save for a day with inclement weather to create some excitement indoors!
Movement and Play Art Lesson Planning Science Seasonal Learning: WinterTransition activities are the moments when children move from one activity to another. These moments, when handled effectively, can be smooth and full of fun. But without the right strategies, children may exhibit some challenging behavior that disrupts everyone’s day. The GIANT Encyclopedia of Transition Activities for Children 3 to 6 is full of transition activities and strategies for teachers and parents who looking for a way to facilitate smooth and effective transitions that are fun for children and alleviate stress for you!
Lesson PlanningDuring the winter holiday season, it's nice for children to slow down, reflect on the holidays, and express their creativity through arts and crafts. In this activity, children will do just that as they make "holiday lights" with colored cellophane through holes punched in trees. Get plenty of activities written by teachers for teachers like this one in The GIANT Encyclopedia of Art & Craft Activities for Children 3 to 6!
printable Art Seasonal Learning: Winter Individual ChildCreate sparkle ice sculptures and even fake snow with hands-on activities to entertain kids in and out of the classroom.
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