8 Winter Activities for Kindergarten and First Grade

Thanksgiving Break is almost over, and December is right around the corner. You might be feeling teacher tired and already counting the days until Winter Break. Trust me – I get it! In the weeks leading up to the holidays and even after the holiday break, I have found that incorporating purposeful crafts keeps my students engaged and on-task. Plus, it makes learning FUN for you and your students! Here are eight of my absolute favorite winter activities for Kindergarten and First Grade. Each bulletin board set includes a writing or math activity paired with a custom craft to match PLUS display letters. These activities can be done before or after the holidays in the months of December, January, or February. Let’s dive in…

The resources in this post may be purchased at a discount in the Winter Bulletin Boards BUNDLE or purchased separately in my TPT Store or in my Kindergarten Korner Shop Site.

1. Snowmen at Night

One of my TPT Best-Sellers, this Snowmen at Night resource is a must-have cold weather craftivity! After reading the book to your students, have them write about what snowmen at night might do. Your students will love creating and coloring their snowmen! You can read more about this activity HERE.

2. Gingerbread Math and Writing Activities

Next up is this 2 in 1 Gingerbread Resource, which includes both a “Gingerbread Make a Ten” activity along with a “How to Make a Gingerbread” writing template. Choose one, or do both like I do!

I usually designate the first or second week in December as “Gingerbread Week.” We read all the different versions of gingerbread stories and end the week with these activities.

3. Ugly Sweater Competition

It just wouldn’t be the holidays without an Ugly Sweater Competition. This Ugly Sweater December Family Homework resource includes a parent letter explaining the directions, ten festive sweater templates, sweater writing templates, bulletin board letters, and an award for the Ugliest Sweater. Find all the details about this fun resource HERE.

4. Merry and Bright Traditions

Merry and Bright Traditions is another family homework for December. This activity promotes diversity and inclusivity. Students share about their own family’s holiday traditions while learning about the unique traditions of their classmates. The resource includes a parent letter, student templates, bulletin board letters, and a class book cover. The best part about family homework like the Ugly Sweaters and this one is that the kids do the work at home, and you’ve got an instant bulletin board for the month!

After posting this resource, I had many requests for a full set of Christmas Lights/ Holiday Lights letters and numbers. Build your own bulletin board with any custom saying using this print and go resource!

5. Chillin’ With My Gnomies

In addition to the December Family Homework options, January Family Homework will not disappoint! This Chillin’ With My Gnomies resource encourages your students to decorate a gnome at home. Click here for all the details…

6. Marshmallow Math

Who doesn’t love a hot cocoa craft in the winter months?! Marshmallow Math is the perfect wintery mix of number composition, addition, number writing, art, and fine motor skills.

Click HERE for all the tips on how I use this lesson in my classroom.

7. Snow Globe Bulletin Board

Snow Globes also come to mind when we think of all things winter. This Snow Globe writing and craft puts your students in the globe as they act out and write about what they would do if they lived inside a snow globe. I like to laminate these because they make beautiful keepsakes.

8. 2024 New Year’s Bulletin Board

Your students will shine in the New Year, and so will your 2024 New Year’s bulletin board! Students create a disco ball writing flip craft as they write goals or intentions for the upcoming year.