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We are kicking off our new year providing more in our themed lessons for the younger crowd. While it is not necessary to have themes or a schedule because play is best, it does give parents a sense of ease.

If you didn’t know, or you are knew here, here is a quick background update. I have been homeschooling my kiddo since he was 1. I am also a former preschool teacher and nanny. Anyway, we used to theme our lessons by the month. You can choose so or you can choose to do weekly or biweekly. I will be breaking it down by books, activities and songs.

You Can check out more on the Preschool curriculum here.

Books

The Shortest Day by Wendy Prefer

The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations.

Winter Wonderland by Jill Esbaum

Each year, as days grow shorter and trees become bare, the world outside seems to slow and darken. But for children, this time of year is magical. The frosty air crackles with play and laughter. There’s a sense of excitement as snow and cold weather make for outdoor adventures that aren’t possible any other time of year.This charming picture book, the latest in National Geographic’s popular Picture the Seasons series, is a vibrant celebration of winter traditions. Winter means family, as loved ones travel many miles to visit. Holiday events bring a spark of warmth and togetherness that seems to happen only in winter. Twinkling lights and colorful displays bring cheer and goodwill. Glowing candles invite visitors to share a festive meal. Frosty weather outside draws lacy patterns on the windowpanes.With this beautifully photographed book in the home or classroom library, children will return time and again to see, feel, and learn about the magic of winter. An excellent choice for teachers wishing to celebrate the season, as well as for grandparents who seek a meaningful gift for their little ones

Winters Coming by Jan Thornhill

Lily, a young snowshoe hare, is surprised to notice the leaves changing color in her forest home. She hears from the other animals that “Winter’s coming,” but who― or what―is Winter?
As Lily learns the ways in which her forest friends prepare for winter’s arrival, she becomes more and more worried about what she should be doing. Finally, the brown bear points out that Lily has been preparing without even knowing it: her fur is thickening and turning white to help her camouflage in the changing weather.
Complemented by illustrations in a mix of collage, drawing, and digital montage, this story introduces the many ways in which different animals adapt to survive winter.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening . . . Tim Hopgood’s joyful and colorful illustrations show all the wonders of winter―snowmen and sleigh rides, sweaters and smiles. Follow a family on their walk through snowy scenes. A beautiful and festive celebration of the season―perfect for sharing!

Frosty the Snowman by Diane Mudrow

Based on the beloved 1969 television special, this timeless classic Little Golden Book retells the whole magical story of Frosty the Snowman. A perfect Christmas gift for boys and girls 2–5!

Biscuits Snow Day by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

There is soft, powdery snow everywhere! It’s the perfect day for snow angels, sledding, and snuggling up with someone you love. Woof!

Snow by Uri Shulevitz

“It’s snowing, said boy with dog.
“It’s only a snowflake,” said grandfather with beard.

No one thinks one or two snowflakes will amount to anything. Not the man with the hat or the lady with the umbrella. Not even the television or the radio forecasters. But one boy and his dog have faith that the snow will amount to something spectacular, and when flakes start to swirl down on the city, they are also the only ones who know how to truly enjoy it. 

The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming

Alive with swirling snow and lots of outdoor fun, the first ten days of winter bring special gifts for a special friend. This cumulative tale will have children chanting along as they discover all the trimmings needed for the most perfect snowman ever!

Big Snow by Jonathon Bean

While “helping” his mother with holiday housecleaning, a boy keeps a watchful eye on the progress of a winter storm. He’s hoping for a big snow. A really big snow. Inside, he is underfoot, turning sheet-changing and tub-scrubbing into imaginary whiteouts. Outside, flakes are flying. But over the course of a long day (for Mom) the clouds seem slow on delivering a serious snowfall. Then comes a dreamy naptime adventure, marking just the beginning of high hopes coming true in this irresistible seasonal story.

Just a Snowman by Mercer Mayer

Snow is piled high and school is cancelled. But before Little Critter can build his snowman, he must help his sister wear her snow boots, his dad shovel the sidewalk, and Gator build a fort. Will Little Critter ever get to build a snowman?

I See Winter by Charles Ghigna

Snowflakes, sleds, and skates are just the beginning of the joys of winter.

Mimi and Bear in the Snow by Janee Trasler

Wherever Mimi goes, Bear is sure to be there. But what happens when Mimi can’t find Bear? Find out in this adorable board book that is sure to bring a big smile to anyone who has ever lost a beloved toy.

The Jacket I Wear in the Snow by Shirley Neitzel

Rhyme follows rhyme as layer after layer of winter clothing (“bunchy and hot, wrinkled a lot, stiff in the knee, and too big for me!”) is first put on and then taken off to the relief of the child bundled inside. Clever rebuses and jaunty illustrations make The Jacket I Wear in the Snow especially fun for prereaders and new readers.

The Itsy Bitsy Snowman by Jeffrey Burton

The itsy bitsy snowman went sledding into town,
looking at the snowflakes softly falling down.
Out came his friends to lend a happy hand.
And everything was perfect in his winter wonderland.

Dream Snow by Eric Carle

It’s December 24th, and the old farmer settles down for a winter’s nap, wondering how Christmas can come when there is no snow! It is in his dream that he imagines a snowstorm coming and covering him and his animals—named One, Two, Three, Four and Five—in a snowy blanket. 

But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside, puts some gifts under the tree for his animals, and presses a button near a Christmas tree, creating a most surprising musical treat for children everywhere.

Toot & Puddle: Let It Snow by Holly Hobbie

How do you find the best Christmas present ever for your best friend in the whole wide world? That’s what Toot is trying to find out, and Puddle is having just as much trouble. With a nod to previous books in the bestselling Toot & Puddle series, Holly Hobbie shows readers that the best kind of present for the best kind of friend is one that shows just how much you care.

My Fairy Winter Wonderland by Maggie Bateson

The fairies of Snowberry Wood live in a sparkling world of ice and snow. This story unfolds this magical world of frozen waterfalls, snowy markets and cosy cabins. These fairies can go from scene to scene, zooming down ice toboggans, skating on the lake or playing in the toy and sweet emporium.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats

In 1962, a little boy named Peter put on his snowsuit and stepped out of his house and into the hearts of millions of readers. Universal in its appeal, this story beautifully depicts a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever. The quiet fun and sweetness of Peter’s small adventures in the deep, deep snow is perfect for reading together on a cozy winter day. 

Construction Site on Christmas Night by Sherri Duskey Rinker

Created for lovers of Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, as well as fans of Sherri Duskey Rinker’s storytelling and AG Ford’s art, this beautiful holiday picture book shows Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck and Cement Mixer building a new home for fire engines. As they finish their big, important job, they get their own Christmas surprises. Your kids will have fun discovering the special surprise awaiting each vehicle as much as they will love rhyming along with the story. This cute book is sure to be a classic!

Snowman at Night by Caralyn Buehner

Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you’ve wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all! Caralyn Buehner’s witty, imaginative verse offers many amusing details about the secret life of snowmen and where they go at night, while Mark Buehner’s roly-poly snowmen are bursting with personality and charm. From the highly successful team that created such winning titles as Fanny’s Dream, Snowmen at Night is fabulous, frosty, and fun!

The Snowman’s Song by Marilee Joy Mayfield

On a snow-covered hill just outside the edge of town, a little girl stumbles upon a melancholy snowman who has spent his entire life wishing for the Gift of Song. The little girl makes the Snowman’s life-long wish come true through a simple act of gratitude and compassion that brings young readers back to the true meaning of Christmas. You see, rather than the presents we receive, the most important gifts are those of selflessness and kindness.

Pete the Cat: Snow Daze by James Dean

In Pete the Cat: Snow Daze, school is canceled, and Pete cannot wait to play in the snow with all his friends. Imagine a day filled with snowball fights, hot chocolate, snowcats, and more. But when the next day and the day after that are all snow days, Pete comes to a sudden realization—it is possible to have too many snow days.

Ten Sparkly Snowflakes by Tiger Tales

Join the woodland animals as they get ready to play snowy games in this peek-through counting book. Little ones will love to watch as the number of snowflakes decreases from 10 to 1 with each turn of the page.

Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes

Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings. Caldecott Medalist and award-winning author Kevin Henkes’s striking text introduces basic concepts of language and the unique beauty of the winter season. Laura Dronzek’s expressive paintings beautifully capture the joyful wonders of winter.

Snowmen at Play by Caralyn Duaher

The cool, lovable Snowmen are back in this brand-new sticker activity book, packed with fun things to make and do. Readers can help the Snowmen sit differences, make their way through mazes, create doodles, finish sticker puzzles, and much more. This bright, busy, book will spark imaginations and creativity and is perfect for holiday vacations.

The Mitten by Jan Barett

When Nicki drops his white mitten in the snow, he goes on without realizing that it is missing.

One by one, woodland animals find it and crawl in; first, a curious mole, then a rabbit, a badger and others, each one larger than the last. Finally, a big brown bear is followed in by a tiny brown mouse and what happens next makes for a wonderfully funny climax.

As the story of the animals in the mitten unfolds, the reader can see Nicki’s snowy outing in the borders of each page.

In her distinctive style, Jan Brett brings the animals to life with warmth and humor, and her illustrations are full of visual delights and details faithful to the Ukrainian tradition from which the story comes.

Activites

Cupcake Liner Snowflake Craft for kids – In the Playroom

“My kids are always busy and excited to try new ideas and crafts. This winter break was a fun opportunity to teach my youngest child how to make a 3D snowflake from a cupcake liner. This winter craft is simple and easy, and a fun way to get creative for kids of all ages’ – Anna and Luciana

Polar Bear Headband Craft For Kids – Simple Everyday Mom

“What better way to get kids excited about the season than with some arctic animals?” – Sam

Sensory Play in the Sink- Bathtime for Toys – Easier Motherhood

“Sensory bins are amazing, because they allow a child to explore their world through their senses, touching and feeling.  It also allows them to work on their motor skills, and learn through play.” – Anne

Pretty Painted Rock Snowflakes – Sustain my Craft Habit

“Bring a bit of winter indoors with these simple yet pretty painted rock snowflakes. They’re a great, inexpensive way to decorate for the winter season. Or use them as napkin weights for your winter tablescape!” – Jane and Sonja

Olaf Papercraft – Frosting and Glue

“Do your kids wanna build a snowman? Get crafting with this super cute Olaf Papercraft that will be sure to keep your kids entertained.” – Amanda

5 Snowman Coloring Sheets – Literacy Learn

“Celebrate wintertime fun with five different snowman coloring sheets. Download the free printable pdfs, and watch your young learners get creative and get to work! Print one or print all five!” – Laura

Winter Coloring pages- Simply Full of Delight

“Need a fun indoor winter activity for your children? Grab some crayons and print out these free Winter Coloring Pages for Kids.” – Crystal

Easy Mittens Craft – Simply Full of Delight

“Looking for an adorable winter craft for kids? This Preschool Mittens Craft is super easy with the Free Mittens Template!” -Crystal

Kindergarten Winter Word Search – Tree Valley Academy

“Grab your child a copy of this free printable kindergarten winter word search.” – Melanie

Arctic Animals Color By Number – Tree Valley Academy

“Download a free copy of 7 color by number printables of arctic animals” – Melanie

Songs

For more you can check out our Winter Preschool Pinterest Section