January Lesson Plans for Preschool
Winter break is over, and it’s time to ease your students back into classroom routines. A well-structured January preschool lesson plan can make the post-holiday transition smoother. These lesson plans for preschool are designed to engage young learners while covering essential skills for the new year.
January is filled with various cultural celebrations and historical events, providing a perfect backdrop for creating exciting and educational lesson plans.

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January offers the perfect opportunity to engage preschoolers in meaningful learning experiences. With a focus on seasonal themes, cultural celebrations, and important milestones, January preschool lesson plans provide a well-rounded approach to early education.
To kick off your January preschool theme, take a moment to introduce your young learners to the essence of the season. Discuss the characteristics of winter weather, including snow, ice, and cold temperatures.
Explore the concept of seasons and how they affect our environment. Introduce them to fascinating winter animals like polar bears, penguins, and reindeer, highlighting their unique adaptations to cold climates.
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January Preschool Lesson Plan Ideas
January preschool lesson plan ideas can incorporate winter themes like snow, ice, and animals that hibernate, while also focusing on developing essential skills like fine motor skills, language, and social-emotional learning.
All About Me Preschool Theme
This engaging All About Me Preschool lesson plan encourages young learners to explore their own identities. Through a variety of activities, children will learn to express themselves, build self-esteem, and develop social skills. From drawing self-portraits to sharing personal stories, this lesson plan is a fun and meaningful way to kick off the school year.

Arctic Animal Preschool Lesson Plan
Get ready to meet different Arctic animals! This Arctic Animal Lesson Plan introduces children to fascinating Arctic animals like polar bears, penguins, and seals.
Through hands-on activities, stories, and songs, children will learn about their unique adaptations to the cold climate. This lesson plan includes ideas for sensory play, art projects, and science experiments, all designed to spark curiosity and inspire learning.

Community Helpers Preschool Theme
This Community helper preschool theme introduces preschoolers to the diverse environment of community helpers. Through engaging activities, children will learn about the roles of various professionals, such as firefighters, police officers, doctors, and teachers. This theme fosters a sense of community and appreciation for the people who contribute to our society.

Hibernation Preschool Lesson Plan
This engaging Hibernation preschool plan explores the exciting animal hibernation process. Children will learn about different animals that hibernate, why they do it, and how they prepare for winter. Through hands-on activities, stories, and songs, children will develop a deeper understanding of this natural phenomenon.

Ice and Snow Preschool Lesson Plan
Explore the fascinating Ice and Snow preschool lesson plan with this engaging preschool lesson plan. Children will learn about the properties of ice, conduct simple experiments, and create beautiful winter-themed art projects. Through hands-on activities, stories, and songs, children will develop a deeper understanding of these icy phenomena.

Penguins Preschool Lesson Plan
This fun and engaging Penguins preschool lesson plan helps children learn about these adorable birds, their unique adaptations to cold climates, and their social behaviors. Through hands-on activities, stories, and songs, children will develop a love for these lovable creatures.

Winter Fun Preschool Lesson Plan
This Winter Fun preschool lesson plan is packed with fun and educational activities. Children will explore the wonders of winter, learn about winter animals, and create beautiful winter crafts. Through sensory play, storytelling, and hands-on experiences, children will develop a deeper appreciation for the winter season.

Books About January Lesson Plan
January also offers a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to a variety of captivating stories. From classic tales to contemporary works, these books will ignite imaginations, spark discussions, and cultivate a love of reading in your preschoolers.
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- The Mitten by Jan Brett
- Winter Sleep by Sean Taylor
- Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
- Shaw, Gina (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 01/05/2016 (Publication Date) – Grosset & Dunlap (Publisher)
- Henrietta Bancroft (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 12/01/1996 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)
- Taylor, Sean (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 10/12/2021 (Publication Date) – Happy Yak (Publisher)
- Rustad, Martha E. H. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 24 Pages – 07/31/2015 (Publication Date) – Capstone Press (Publisher)
- Henkes, Kevin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages – 11/03/2020 (Publication Date) – Greenwillow Books (Publisher)
Free January Preschool Lesson Plans
Looking for free, high-quality lesson plans to inspire your January preschool curriculum? Look no further! Our Winter Themes for Preschool page offers a variety of free resources to help you create engaging and educational experiences for your young learners.
Here are some of our free January preschool lesson plans:
- Winter Clothes Theme Preschool Lesson Plan
- Season Preschool Lesson Plan
- Day and Night Preschool Lesson Plan
January Lesson Plans for Toddlers
When planning activities for toddlers, it’s essential to consider their unique developmental needs. Focus on simple tasks and sensory explorations that capture their attention and stimulate their senses. Remember, toddlers have short attention spans, so plan for frequent transitions between activities.
To ensure a safe and enjoyable learning environment, prioritize safety measures. Use age-appropriate materials and supervise activities closely.
Here are some exciting lesson plan ideas specifically designed for toddlers:
- Winter Process Arts for Toddlers
- Snowflake Cookie Cutter Stamping
- Arctic Animals for Toddlers
- Build a Giant Snowman Craft
- Feed the Snowman Fine Motor Activity
- Painting Ice Cubes Activity
- Easy Winter Mittens Craft
Read this: How to Create a Lesson Plan for Toddlers.
January Learning Printables
To reinforce learning and add a touch of fun to your January lesson plans, consider incorporating a variety of winter-themed printables. These engaging activities can help children practice essential skills while enjoying the festive spirit of the season.
Here are some ideas:
By integrating these winter-themed activities into your January lesson plans, you can create a stimulating and enjoyable learning experience for your preschoolers. Remember to tailor activities to individual needs and interests, and don’t be afraid to get creative. By fostering a love of learning and exploration, you can make this winter season truly memorable for your young learners.
Most importantly, have fun! A joyful and enthusiastic approach to teaching will make a significant impact on your students’ learning and overall well-being.

I’m Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home-mama of five! I’m the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught a range of levels, from preschool to college and a little bit of everything in between. Right now my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction.