Winter Themes for Preschool

Brace yourself for a fantastic selection of winter preschool themes that will add a touch of magic to your Learn At Home preschool lesson plans!

As winter’s frosty days approach, there are so many fun winter themes to enhance preschool learning. From ice and snow or arctic animals to hibernation and baking, this post has all the best winter themes and free lesson plans.

winter themes for preschool | free winter preschool lesson plans | collage of hot cocoa, snowman, winter clothing, winter animals

In the eyes of a young child and their teacher, the winter season unfolds with its own unique charm, and it is a really special opportunity to enjoy an array of weekly preschool themes for winter.

Our Learn At Home Preschool Lesson Plans are super easy to use, and you’ll find most of the materials right at home. They work great for parents and teachers, whether you’re at home or in a classroom.

Get the bundle: Learn at Home Preschool Lesson Plans.

Winter Preschool Lesson Plan Ideas

When it comes to fall themes in preschool, you might wonder where to start. There are plenty of smaller theme ideas that work perfectly. Check out these suggestions for some inspiration!

Winter Curriculum Themes for Preschool

Winter is the ideal season to captivate preschoolers and uncover the marvels of this chilly and still time of year. Hands-on winter activities will bring excitement back to learning with ideals of building snowmen and sipping hot cocoa during story time.

  • Snowflakes and Frost: Explore the shapes and patterns of snowflakes, and experiment with frozen art projects.
  • Winter Animals: Learn about animals that live in cold climates, such as polar bears, penguins, and owls.
  • Winter Weather: Teach about snow, ice, and how weather changes during the winter season.
  • Holiday Celebrations: Celebrate holidays from around the world, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s, and explore related traditions.
  • Hibernation: Discuss animals that hibernate during the winter and how they prepare for the cold months.
  • Winter Sports: Explore activities like ice skating, sledding, and skiing through books, videos, and pretend play.
  • Ice and Water: Experiment with freezing and melting, and learn about the science of ice and water.
  • Hot Cocoa and Baking: Engage in sensory activities involving hot cocoa or baking simple winter treats.
  • The Winter Solstice: Discuss the shortest day of the year and how the days start getting longer after the solstice.

Seasonal Preschool Theme Ideas

It’s awesome to have preschool theme ideas for all the seasons. Check out the following posts for curated lists of preschool themes based on the time of year.

Read this: The BIG List of Preschool Themes.

For preschoolers, arranging themes according to each month can create a well-structured and captivating learning journey during the winter season. Here are some thought-starters to spark your inspiration.

Winter Preschool Themes for December

  • Icicles and Icebergs: Explore the formation of icicles and icebergs, and create ice-themed art and science experiments to demonstrate how ice forms.
  • Evergreen Trees: Teach about evergreen trees, their role in winter ecosystems, and have fun with nature-inspired crafts like pinecone ornaments or tree rubbings.
  • Winter Birds: Learn about birds that stay active in the winter, such as cardinals and chickadees, and engage in birdwatching or making bird feeders.
  • Winter Shadows: Discuss how daylight hours change during the winter and explore creating winter shadows through outdoor play or shadow tracing indoors.
  • Hot and Cold Sensory Play: Use materials to explore the difference between hot and cold, such as water, ice, and warm fabrics, with sensory bins or hands-on play.
  • Winter Night Sky: Introduce concepts about the winter night sky, such as the moon and stars, and create glow-in-the-dark crafts to celebrate the nighttime season.
  • Winter Foods: Discuss winter foods like hot cocoa, hearty soups, and seasonal fruits, and explore simple, no-cook recipes with preschoolers.
  • Sledding and Winter Fun: Talk about winter activities like sledding and snowball fights, and encourage imaginative play with pretend snow and sleds.
  • Frozen Bubbles: Conduct simple science experiments with frozen bubbles, watching how they form and change in cold temperatures.
  • Holiday Music and Songs: Celebrate the season with traditional holiday music and songs, teaching simple winter-themed songs like “Jingle Bells” or “Frosty the Snowman.”

Read this: Best Winter Activities for Preschoolers.

Winter Preschool Themes for January

  • Frost and Ice Patterns: Explore the unique patterns frost creates on windows and use various materials to create frost-like artwork.
  • Snowflakes and Geometry: Introduce the shapes and symmetry of snowflakes while teaching basic geometric concepts such as symmetry and angles.
  • Arctic Animals: Learn about animals native to the Arctic, including seals, walruses, and arctic foxes, and explore their adaptations for cold climates.
  • Frozen Colors: Experiment with freezing colored water or paint in ice cube trays, then using it for art projects or sensory play.
  • Snow and Ice Sculptures: Encourage children to create sculptures using playdough, snow, or other materials to mimic the structures seen in winter festivals.
  • Cold Weather Habitats: Teach about cold-weather habitats like ice caves or igloos, and explore how people and animals live in these environments.
  • Tracking Animal Footprints: Learn about animal footprints in the snow and engage children in tracking them through books, discussions, or outdoor walks.