K-2 teachers, are you looking for simple ways to heat up your winter theme?
I have some suggestions for you!
Thematic Teaching
When I taught first grade, I found that my students did best with learning concepts when I could thread the content through all subjects.
Which is why I am a big believer in teaching thematically.
First, I would pick my theme.
Usually, I based my theme on a Science or Social Studies objective. Sometimes I would pick a seasonal theme – such as winter.
Then, I would try to touch all subjects with the theme. I would also try to add in movement, technology, and art.
Of course, I would start with good books for read-alouds!
Read-Alouds for a Winter Theme
Heat up your winter theme with these 3 great books.
How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace. This fun book lends itself to a great writing prompt. Let students design and write about the trap they would create to catch a snowman.
Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright has a fun rhyming pattern that will entertain your K-2 students. This book is great for highlighting empathy, sharing, and problem-solving.
Pink Snow and Other Weird Weather by Jennifer Dussling does not disappoint on the weird front. This book is about all kinds of weather, not just winter weather, but it is so interesting, it had to be part of this list!
Technology
Boom Cards™ Rhyming Words is a super simple way to incorporate technology with a winter theme. You can visit my TPT store for even more Winter-themed Boom Cards.
GoNoodle is a website that makes it super simple to add movement and technology to your day. They have lots of winter-themed options too, including Winter Wonderland Indoor Recess.
Math
Snowballs will definitely heat up your math lesson! Let students work together to solve math problems. The snowballs will be a fun math manipulative. You can also use these snowballs in other ways too!
If you want paper/pencil activities, you could try these two options.
Winter Counting to Ten and Even Odd Review Printables are great ways to review key math concepts. This resource also includes Seesaw links. These printables can be found in the Members Only Free Resource Library. Join the Members Only Free Resource Library to get these printables and lots of other great resources.
Winter Color by Code Alphabet and Numbers Printables is a fun hands-on way to heat up review time. This resource also includes Seesaw links.
Games
Games are the simplest way to add fun to any lesson. These Winter Roll and Spin Math Games are a great way to review addition, subtraction, and number recognition.
If you prefer bingo, you can join my Members Only Free Resource Library. This winter-themed bingo game and lots of other games, printables, and Boom Cards can be found in this totally free library.
Art/Writing
Give your students blue construction paper and white chalk and let them create a super simple winter scene. Let them use crayons to add details and voila, you have hall-worthy artwork.
They can even kick their art project up a notch by writing about what they have drawn.
Science
Making snow is a great way to build background knowledge and integrate important Science objectives.
This fun kit is so simple to use!! It will definitely heat up your winter theme.
Simply add water and watch the mixture fluff up like snow. You can even dry it out and do it again!
Conclusion
It may be cold outside but you can still heat up your winter theme! Try these simple suggestions and get your kids excited about learning.
Check out my Pinterest board “Winter Resources for K-2 Students” for even more ideas.
Join my Members Only Free Resource Library for free winter-themed resources, like the Bingo game above and this visually appealing Boom Cards Adapted Book – Snow Fun.
