January Classroom Activities – New Years, Winter Ideas, Snowmen & More!
It’s January, and that means a fresh start to the year! For teachers, that often means trying out new activities and lessons in the classroom. We asked some of our favorite teachers about their favorite January classroom activities, and here’s what they had to say.
From tried-and-true classics like snowmen-themed activities and New Year’s resolutions to more unique ideas like winter scavenger hunts, there’s something here for everyone. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and read on for some great January activities and ideas from your fellow educators.
Reestablish Routines and Procedures: Revisit Classroom Management
The first week back after an extended break is hard! This is the case for students and teachers! The alarms wake us up so early. Then, the school day begins, and more exhaustion sets in as students return to following routines and working on assignments.
This is exactly why the first week after winter break is about easing back into learning and reestablishing rules and routines. A few low-key January activities allow teachers time and space to revisit classroom management strategies, rework their end-of-the-day routines, and start goal-setting activities.
Below are some ideas for New Year activities, winter crafts, snow-themed activities, and winter animals that will keep your students engaged!
January Classroom Activities about New Year and Personal Reflection
January is all about personal reflection. People spend a lot of time thinking about the past year and making positive changes for the future. Adults are not the only ones benefitting from reflection and improvements! This is an incredible opportunity to talk with your students about how to set goals!
The New Year Goal Setting Flap Book Craftivity is a great activity to guide students through goal setting. They will reflect on the previous months of school and make goals for the remaining months. Additionally, they will reflect on life outside of school and make personal goals.
Books about New Year’s and Making Resolutions
Books are a great way to engage students in the classroom, and they can be especially helpful when it comes to teaching about the New Year. From fun stories that celebrate resolutions and reflect on past experiences to more serious tales of perseverance, there is no shortage of books teachers can use to help their students understand this important time of year.
Whether you’re looking for something lighthearted or a bit more meaningful, these picture books are sure to provide your students with an enjoyable learning experience as they enter the new year.
On the first day of school, a young boy named Stevie falls asleep in class. His teacher assigns him and his classmates to find one word to help them have their best year ever – a word to define themselves. Following his father’s advice, Stevie embarks on a journey of discovery – looking inward, upward, and outward to uncover what he loves and holds dear. Stevie discovers more about himself than he ever expected as he searches for this special word.
Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolutions by Pat Miller
It’s New Year’s Day, and Squirrel is on a mission to learn what resolutions are all about. She visits her friends in the forest to find out how they make their resolutions and help them begin theirs. Now she just needs to figure out one of her own! Join Squirrel as she journeys through the forest in search of a resolution that will make this new year her best!
New Year Resolution Craft, Winter Art Activities & Reading Passages
The New Year’s Craft is perfect for the first week back from the holiday break, making it a great January bulletin board that focuses on a growth mindset. With this winter craft, you get both a craft activity and an opportunity to write out thoughtful goals all in one! Your students will love setting ambitious goals as they look forward to the New Year.
Pair the January writing craft with a set of New Year’s Reading Passages to help students understand the New Year’s history and traditions from around the world. Students read two engaging articles and participate in a variety of comprehension activities.
Fun January Writing Prompts that Students Love
Infuse winter activities into daily writing with these writing prompts. The winter season offers a perfect opportunity to incorporate fun and creative writing activities into our lessons.
There are endless possibilities for winter-themed prompts, whether it is snowball fights, ice skating, or building a snowman. These prompts spark students’ imagination and allow them to practice their writing skills meaningfully.
January CLOZE Reading Vocabulary Building Activity
If you want to increase your student’s vocabulary and grammar skills and work on January reading comprehension, consider adding these CLOZE reading passages to your January lesson plans. They are ideal for 3rd grade through 5th grade students.
In Cloze reading passages, words are selectively removed so that students can determine the best-fit word. There is no word bank, and multiple answers may fit the space, requiring students to rely on context clues and their understanding of syntax to determine the suitable options. While there is no one right answer that can fill the space, there are words that fit better than others.
Topics for January include ice storms, Chinese New Year, and snowflakes. Nonfiction and fictional texts are included.
Snow and Snowmen January Activities
January is a wonderful time to bring snow and snowmen into the classroom to make learning fun! With this selection of activities, you can keep your students engaged and learning during these winter months. From constructing snowmen to exploring the science behind why it snows, your students can develop their creative skills, learn new things, and engage in winter science experiments. Make January fun for your class with these snow-themed activities!
Read Books about Snow and Winter Activities
Snowman stories have been delighting children for generations! From Frosty the Snowman to The Snowman by Raymond Briggs, these stories capture the magic of a snowy winter day in a unique and captivating way. Books about snowmen are often filled with fun and adventure while touching on important themes like friendship, family, and the power of imagination.
They can also provide valuable lessons to inspire readers to believe in their potential or take initiative when faced with adversity. Whether you’re looking for a cozy tale to cuddle up with at night or an exciting romp through the snow, these books about snowmen will surely make your winter days that much brighter. Let’s explore some of the best snowman-themed picture books around!
Snowman at Night by Caralyn Buehner
Have you ever seen a snowman with a mischievous grin and wondered what he got up to at night? Caralyn Buehner’s Snowmen at Night is the perfect winter read for children and adults alike, offering an imaginative and entertaining look into the secret life of these icy creatures. With a delightful verse from Caralyn, combined with charming illustrations from Mark Buehner, this book has won many fans since its release. Whether it’s for a cozy winter day or a special MLK Day celebration, Snowmen at Night will surely bring big smiles!
In 1962, a little boy named Peter stepped into the imaginations of millions of readers when he put on his snowsuit and ventured out into the world. With universal appeal, this story illustrates a timeless childhood spirit full of hope and joy as Peter embarks on small adventures in the deep snow. This classic tale captures and keeps the wonder of new experiences alive, perfect for reading together on a winter day.
Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright
With the winter season in town, Sneezy the Snowman feels the chill. He searches for a way to warm up by drinking cocoa, dipping in a hot tub, and standing near a fire. Unfortunately, his attempts have comical consequences, leading to him melting! Don’t worry – the children know how to put him back together and make him feel “just right.” Stephen Gilpin’s playful mixed-media illustrations bring plenty of hilarity as Sneezy discovers what happens when temperatures get too high!
The Snowglobe Family by JaneO’Connor
The little family living inside a snow globe longs for a snowstorm, but it’s just out of reach until Baby notices the tiny family. When they’re all alone during a snowstorm, will Baby be able to pick up the snow globe and give it a shake? Find out how the snow globe family get their chance to go sledding in this delightful story full of whimsy and wonder!
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Wilson Bentley’s curiosity about snowflakes began at a young age but was seen as an odd fascination. Supported by his parents, he obtained a camera and microscope to explore the delicate patterns of each snowflake. With dedication and patience, Wilson captured hundreds of photographs, presented his findings in slideshows, and even wrote a book about them when he was 66! His work serves as the foundation for our current knowledge of these amazing wonders of nature – unique snowflakes!
Snow and Snowmen Classroom Activities
Books, science, and math activities can all be used to bring the snow indoors for students. Studying the effect of snow and ice on our environment, analyzing data from local weather reports, or reading stories about winter adventures that involve snow can be fascinating for curious minds.
Make Borax Snowflakes – Winter Science Experiment
Making snowflakes with borax is a fun and easy winter activity that kids will love. You only need a few simple materials, such as Borax, pipe cleaners, scissors, and water; some creativity; and a little patience.
Start by having kids twist the pipe cleaners into different shapes – circles or stars are great places to start – or get creative and create their own designs. Then, attach the two ends of the pipe cleaner to form a snowflake shape.
Dissolve some Borax in warm water and let the snowflake ornament hang in the solution for at least eight hours. Finally, remove it from the mixture and allow it to dry independently. Afterward, your kids will have created beautiful snowflakes like what might fall from the sky!
With a little bit of creativity and thoughtfulness, teachers can turn simple snow tasks into meaningful learning opportunities to engage their students in lessons that include collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving, even during the coldest months of the year.
Make a Melting Snowman – Winter Science Experiment
Making a melted snowman craft is a fun and creative way to celebrate winter! Start by gathering the materials you’ll need – shaving cream, white glue, plastic cups, googly eyes, orange felt, pipe cleaner, and cardstock.
First, mix equal parts of shaving cream and white glue in one cup. Then, spoon this mixture into other cups to make the body segments for the melted snowman. Add eyes and an orange triangle for a nose to the tallest cup. Wrap a piece of pipe cleaner around the outside of each cup for arms and legs. Finally, use cardstock to create a snowy background under your melted snowman.
To finish off your craft project, show what happens when temperatures get too high! All you need is some watercolors or sprinkled salt over the melting snowman to get that melting effect! This also makes a great winter art project!
Place Value Snowflakes – Winter Math Activity
December may have come and gone, but January offers the perfect opportunity to make fun place-value snowflakes! Have students pick a double-digit number, then cut out paper tens rods and one’s cubes to represent that number.
Glue the pieces together into a snowflake pattern on blue construction paper and watch their snowflakes come alive, with some of them as falling snow. It’s an educational winter activity that will keep them engaged during math!
Have a Snowball Fight
Math can be a blast in the classroom, especially with a snowball fight!
Start by dividing your class into two teams and having them stand on opposite sides of the room – this will be their home base. Give each team a basket of ‘snowballs’ made of paper balls with math facts written on them. When you say ‘Go,’ have each team throw the snowballs at one another.
Every time someone catches or dodges a snowball, they must answer the question written on it correctly before they can move to the next person. The first team to finish all their snowballs wins!
STEM Snow Activities
Snow can be the perfect backdrop for a range of STEM activities! Here are a few ideas:
- Build an igloo – use basic engineering principles to design and construct a miniature igloo.
- Measure snowfall – use measuring tools, such as rulers and thermometers, to record snow depth over time.
- Make a marshmallow catapult – build a catapult out of everyday objects like cardboard tubes and rubber bands, then launch mini marshmallows at targets!
- Design snowshoes – create shoe-like objects out of wood or plastic that can help you traverse snowy terrain.
- Create ice crystal art – observe and document different shapes and structures created by freezing water droplets on surfaces like leaves or windows.
January Activities about Animals
Students are often fascinated by animals! Therefore, they are a great aspect to bring into lessons. This is especially helpful when students return from winter break or are tired during a cold, snowy January.
Learn about Penguins
Are you ready to take your students on a journey of discovery and learning about penguins? This All About Penguins blog post provides an informative and engaging lesson plan about penguin activities covering key facts about penguins while helping students practice their literacy skills.
Students will learn important information, such as their appearance and behavior, plus have fun with worksheets and summarizing activities. This educational and entertaining lesson plan lets your students explore the wonderful world of penguins!
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Learn about what Animals do in Winter
Students also love learning about winter animals! What Animals Do in Winter helps students explore animals’ unique adaptations to survive winter! This blog post provides information about migration and hibernation, along with educational books and videos to bring this topic to life. Students will develop a deeper understanding of how animals survive during the cold winter months, plus enjoy a selection of fun activities to help them learn. Dive into this exciting lesson plan about animals in winter!
Read Paired Texts about Owls
Combining fiction and nonfiction is an excellent way to engage students in the winter. By pairing the children’s book Owl Moon with a nonfiction article about owls, teachers can open up a world of possibilities for their learners. Sharing the story of a young girl’s journey to finding a great horned owl on a snowy night inspires and encourages imagination, while using the nonfiction article to discuss topics like animal adaptations, diet, and habitat helps deepen understanding and appreciation for these majestic creatures. This activity could be extended further by having students design snow-filled environments for their unique owl adventure.
Animal Article Collection for More Animal Reading and Research
Are you looking for engaging and high-interest text for elementary students to read? Do you need resources that can be used during reading, writing, and science lessons? The Animal Article Collection provides a range of animal articles and resources that are perfect for scaffolding reading comprehension and writing. With these tools, you can give your students access to quality materials about animals with plenty of choices for research.
Martin Luther King Jr. Teaching Ideas
As the world continues to remember the legacy and teachings of Martin Luther King Jr, it is important that we carry on his legacy with engaging teaching ideas for our children. With MLK Day just around the corner, now is a perfect time to explore creative and impactful ways to honor this great leader and use his life’s work as an example for future generations. From book recommendations to interactive activities, here are some of our favorite ideas for teaching kids about Martin Luther King Jr.
Winter Online Activities for January
Depending on your school, some students may still be learning at home. Or, some are just at home temporarily as illnesses and germs continue to spread. The Winter Online Activities offers plenty of ways to help! There are ideas for all content areas to ensure students learn no matter how long they are at home. Many of these ideas even work for in-person learning!
Sliding into winter can really go two ways. It can be smooth or bumpy for teachers and students. Since no one wants a rough transition to the New Year, these activities are fantastic ways to ease students back into learning. Best of all, they include ways to keep the excitement going throughout the winter!
Keep reading for more engaging ideas to make January learning fun for students! Feel free to leave a comment with some ideas of your own!
Snowball fights to practice phonics skills with words or fact families in math.
We celebrate Lunar New Year and Ukrainian Christmas and Ukrainian New Year! I love to showcase all of the dancing and poetry celebrations for Malanka (Ukrainian New Years)!
My favorite classroom thing to do is carpet time during whole group. It brings me closer to my students.
I love to review expectations, review old learning, and reintroduce learning through fun, kinesthetic, multi sensory ways!
I enjoy doing a writing assignment called “If I were In a Snow globe”. It is a fun writing assignment to get the kiddos back in the groove of writing.
We compare and contrast Luna new year and the history of new years.
My favorite part of the new year/January is teaching students about starting fresh and setting goals. They love making simple school goals and meeting them throughout the month!
I do STEM and team building activities where the students communicate and work cooperative and respectfully with each other. It breaks the welcome back from break silence and builds those skills necessary for a smoother classroom.
I love to read Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution and Sneezy the Snowman!
I read Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution today and had the kids write their own resolution.
Reading parties with hot chocolate are fun. I also teach fractions and activities to help understanding (especially when comparing fractions and equivalent fractions) is welcomed.
We always start off January by setting new goals for the rest of the year.
Then we do a Winter Animals Unit over penguins and polar bears.
Finally, we do a week about snowmen. It doesn’t snow much where we live, so we pretend!
During January we make snowflakes using different materials in our Stem lab and then create a simple machine-inclined plane ramp and race student-made sleds from various materials.
I also do a Snowman Unit. We have a snowman outline and predict how many cotton balls fill up the inner circles.
We create our own Class Book Entitled, Cold As and students illustrate and write an item that is cold as snow.
Reading, review, new spelling and reading skills
We do arctic animals with fiction and nonfiction stories all month long.
I like to work in grade level stories about Martin Luther, polar bears, etc into reading RTI group work.
I begin the new year reading Sneezy the Snowman. Then, I make a shaving cream/glue mixture. The students make a “puffy snowman. It’s a favorite every year!
January is also the month I read various versions of Stone Soup. We compare and contrast the different versions. As a cumulative project, we make stone soup in the classroom.
My favorite classroom activity to do in January is read alouds/talk story time. It helps to foster a safe classroom environment since we’ve been out of school for weeks.
We review the individual goals that we set in the beginning of the school year, to see if we’re making progress and what we might need to change/work harder at, so we can continue to make progress..
Continuing to build relationships with my students as a first year teacher.
We do Arctic animals all month long with various science and reading activities.
I start to dig into teaching habitats and how we are all Conservationists with my class’ Academic Service Learning Project, which we raise funds for education in South Africa.
Gingerbread stories and winter animals!
I love reading Snowmen at Night and writing a personal narrative about what students think their snowmen do at night. I also do a technical writing (How-to) on how to build a snowman. I so figurative language pulled from multiple snowman books. I love teaching using themes.
I love doing a new years unit and at the end of the unit I have a new years ball that we drop and confetti goes everywhere. The children love it! The fun part is cleaning it all up!! I have a ball I got that lights up and all.
I love doing activities with The Hat and The Mitten with my class in January!
I love reading the story Stranger In The Woods and doing activities around the book.
I like to do indoor snowball fights with spelling words, anything snowman related, hot chocolate parties and playing outside as long as it’s not too cold here in Minnesota.
I love to show my first graders how to make paper snowflakes during indoor recess.
During January, I enjoy doing goal setting and reflecting on student wins so far in the school year.
Team builders! We have been away from our classroom for two weeks, so I start with our Monday Morning greeting time. Then, we will go over our Class Standards/Rules. Going over our class standards will launch us into writing New Year’s Goals. (I also share my goals with my kids!)
I love doing a New Years resolution mobile where we all set goals for the new year and learning! I also love doing Winter themed mysteries where we work together to use clues to figure out a mystery.
Our school does STEM in the month of January. As a math and science teacher I love using TPT to find resources!
I love to make new years hats and celebrate on the first day. My theme for January is winter. Hoping to bring the snow inside and do investigations.
Read Snowflake Bentley and make snowflakes to decorate our windows.
We have a boot and mitten parade.
I usually start goal setting the first week back to school. We start working harder into comprehension now that we have a more solid hold on phonics and reading.
I love doing a fingerprint art activity. We enlarge their actual fingerprint to paper size. They trace the lines of their fingerprint and then write about all the things that make them who they are. It is so fun and they turn out amazing.
Starting my new unit of opinion writing, fractured fairy tales and point of view
I love to read winter stories to inspire students to write a winter poem. We’ve done acrostic poems and ryhming poems and always enjoy adding art work to our writing.
We read Snowflake Bentley and then make snowflakes using different materials.
My favorite activity coming back from break is the One Word project. We listen to One Word by Jon Gordon We brainstorm how we want to change school and personal life. Then we highlight words that will help, narrow that down to one word. Tomorrow students will decorate that word on a google slide and on paper.
Snowman activities are fun to do in January.
I like to have the kids make a melted snowman on a paper with a mixture of glue and shaving cream and then write a sentence about what they would do if their snowman melted.
Indoor Snowball Fight for no reason – just to have fun!!
We create Snowmen to hang all over our room.
We write a biographical poem.
Winter, snow, arctic animals. In my district, we also have Eagle Watching days, so we learn about bald eagles as well.
I love doing goal-setting activities with the kids, giving them opportunities to reflect on what they have achieved and on areas of further improvement. I also like to have the kids tell and write about their Christmas holidays
We use winter as a time to teach “making connections” during the literacy block. Conflict resolution skills are great for January too as it ties in nicely with the MLK holiday!
I love January to reset student behavior and set new goals for the remainder of the school year.
I use the idea of goal setting to have students set a goal for their winter MAP test for reading and math.
My favorite writing activity is either a “Melted Snowman” descriptive writing or “Snowday” opinion piece.
I like to teach Conflict Resolution at this time of year because it ties in nicely with the MLK holiday.
setting new years resolutions!