As the snowflakes fall and the temperature drops, it's the perfect time to explore the wonders of winter through winter-themed books, fingerplays, and activities for preschoolers! In this article, we've organized a collection of winter-themed books that preschoolers will adore, paired with fingerplays and songs that bring their favorite winter characters to life. Plus, we've included a selection of enjoyable winter activities that will keep your little ones entertained and excited throughout the season!
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Winter seems to be everyone’s most awaited season. With snow on the ground and chilly weather, it's a great chance to engage in enjoyable activities that foster creativity, fine motor skills, and an appreciation of this wonderful season. Whether it's through captivating winter-themed books, catchy songs with fingerplays, or exciting indoor and outdoor activities, there's something for every child to savor. Keep this list bookmarked while waiting for December’s The Snow Box!
Brrr…. It’s starting to get cold! Here’s a winter-themed welcome gift for your little one! Enjoy the cold winter and snow while still learning and having fun with these cute winter-themed worksheets! The Snow Preschool Fun Pack includes 8 math and literacy worksheets designed to help preschoolers develop fundamental skills. And with the cute snow theme, your little one will surely love to learn and play! Read more about the Snow Preschool Fun Pack here, and get a free copy today!
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10 Winter-themed Books for Preschoolers
1 The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
This classic book tells the story of a young boy named Peter as he explores the magic of a snowy day in the city. It's a beautifully illustrated story that captures the wonders of winter. If you are looking for a great story for family reading, this one is highly recommended as it evokes a sense of nostalgia and childhood innocence. With its heartwarming illustrations and timeless narrative, The Snowy Day continues to capture the hearts of both children and adults alike.
2 Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman
Have you seen a bear in hibernation? You’ll get to meet one in this story! It starts with Bear, who is snuggled up in his cave during hibernation while different woodland animals gather in his cozy den for a winter celebration. It's a heartwarming story about friends and how everyone is welcome. Feel the love warmth and kindness in this book, making it a perfect choice for sharing with kids to teach them about friendship and togetherness this winter season.
3 The Mitten by Jan Brett
The Mitten is a story based on a Ukrainian folktale about a young boy who drops his mitten in the snow, and then different animals find shelter inside it. The detailed pictures in this book make it an exciting story to look at. If you’ll take a look at the reviews, many people praise it for its beautiful illustrations, making it a must-read for kids and adults who love a captivating story.
4 Snow by Sam Usher
Winter wouldn’t be complete without snow, so we also have a best-selling book with the same title - Snow! In this tale, a young boy can't wait for the first snow, and he goes on a snowy adventure with his granddad. Despite the cold snow, it's definitely a warm and cozy read that shows the joy of a snowy day. I’m sure you’ll find it simply delightful, and just a lovely story to share with children. They can also share their memories of their first snow!
5 Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner and Mark Buehner
Have you ever wondered what snowmen are up to when you're not watching? This imaginative book provides a playful answer, revealing the secret adventures of snowmen during the nighttime. It is a fun, imaginative, and enchanting story that sparks the imagination of both kids and adults. You’ll also find your preschoolers’ answers amazing and hilarious too!
6 Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
Got a daddy’s girl? This book is perfect for sharing a quiet and special moment with their little girl. In this lovely picture book, a young girl and her dad went on a snowy nighttime adventure to spot owls in the moonlit forest. It's a rhyming and peaceful story that shows a heartwarming father-daughter connection. It is best praised for its beauty and emotional depth. Even little boys and their moms can find it a great read too!
7 Winter Is Here by Kevin Henkes
You and your little one will surely feel more appreciation for the winter season through this book, Winter is Here. This sweet and delightful book takes you through the wonders of winter, from the magic of snowflakes to gliding on a frozen pond. It's an ideal choice for introducing little ones to the joys of the season, and to learn more things about winter. You can play show-and-tell after reading this!
8 Snowballs by Lois Ehlert
Have you tried making snowballs with your little one before? In this imaginative and vibrant book, a snow family comes to life using everyday objects like buttons, twigs, and mittens! It's a playful and engaging story for children and you’ll surely love it for its creativity. Many readers praised it on the way it inspires kids to use their own imagination to craft snow families. Maybe you can make one after reading this book!
9 Snowy Valentine by David Petersen
Feel the warmth of love during the winter season with this wonderful tale of Jasper the rabbit and his exciting journey to discover the ideal Valentine's Day surprise for his beloved wife, Lilly. Through the backdrop of a snowy winter wonderland, this book beautifully weaves together the magic of winter with themes of love and friendship. Its heartwarming storyline makes it a perfect read both for kids and kids at heart!
10 The Biggest, Best Snowman by Margery Cuyler and Will Hillenbrand
Join Nell and her pals as they set out to construct the grandest snowman ever! They encountered funny mishaps along the way, but they joined forces to craft a memorable snowman. It's a lighthearted and entertaining winter story that is well-loved for its humor and engaging narrative, making it a perfect choice for a fun, wintry read.
These winter-themed books are very entertaining and they also offer opportunities to discuss seasonal changes and explore the beauty of winter, while reinforcing important values like friendship and family bonds. They will surely delight your preschoolers and make winter reading with you a joyous experience!
Want a free winter-themed craft? Here’s the perfect winter and Christmas freebie for you! Easily craft an adorable snow globe customized with your little one’s photo using our Print & Go Snow Globe Craft! Just download and print it out on cardstock, then cut it out and decorate by adding your child’s photo to have an adorable snow globe. Use it as an additional Christmas decor or a wonderful personalized gift to family members! Read more about the Print & Go Snow Globe Craft here, and be sure to grab a copy now!
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5 Winter-themed Songs and Fingerplays for Preschoolers
1 Snowflake, Snowflake (to the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
Snowflake, snowflake, falling down (wiggle fingers downward)
Snowflake, snowflake, to the ground (touch the ground)
See them falling here and there (spread fingers out)
Snowflakes falling everywhere (point in different directions)
2 Five Little Snowflakes (to the tune of Five Little Ducks)
Five little snowflakes dancing in the snow (wiggle five fingers)
The first one said, "Where did all the other snowflakes go?" (hold up one finger)
The second one said, "I don't know, but I'm going to join the show!" (hold up two fingers)
The third one said, "Look at us spin and twirl, oh!" (hold up three fingers)
The fourth one said, "We're the prettiest in the world, you know!" (hold up four fingers)
The fifth one said, "Come join us, it's a great tableau!" (hold up all five fingers)
So five little snowflakes danced in the snow! (wiggle all five fingers)
3 I'm a Little Snowman (to the tune of I'm a Little Teapot)
I'm a little snowman, short and fat (stand with arms at sides)
Here are my buttons, and here is my hat (point to buttons and head)
When the sun comes out, I'll melt away (lay on the ground)
But I'll be back on a snowy day (stand up again)
4 Five Little Snowmen (to the tune of Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed)
Five little snowmen standing in a row (hold up five fingers)
Each one has a hat and a big red bow (point to head and neck)
Out came the sun, and it shone so bright (make a circle with your arms to represent the sun)
And one little snowman melted out of sight (wiggle arms and lower it)
5 Snowflakes Falling (to the tune of Frere Jacques/also known as "Are You Sleeping?")
Snowflakes falling, snowflakes falling (wiggle fingers downward)
All around, all around (extend arms to left and right side)
Softly drifting to the ground (wiggle hands gently)
Quietly without a sound (shush gesture)
Snowflakes fall, snowflakes fall (wiggle fingers downward)
These winter-themed fingerplay songs are a fun way to help preschoolers practice their fine motor skills and engage them in the winter season's magic and wonder through rhymes and songs!
5 Winter-themed Activities for Preschoolers
1 Snowflake Art
Give your preschoolers white paper, glue, and glitter. Have them create their own unique snowflake designs by drawing patterns with glue and then sprinkling glitter on top. They can also use glitter glue like in this Snowflake Art featured in Live Well Play Together. This activity helps kids develop their creativity and reinforces fine motor skills.
2 Indoor Snowball Fight
When it’s too cold outside to play a snowball fight, you can create a safe and fun indoor snowball fight using soft, white socks as snowballs, just like this one from Growing a Jeweled Rose! Divide the children into teams and let them have a friendly snowball fight, aiming to toss the socks into a designated target or at each other. It's a great way to burn off energy on a chilly day!
3 Christmas Crafts
Of course, winter wouldn’t be complete without adorable Christmas crafts! Snowmen, reindeer, snow globes, Christmas trees - there are a lot of Christmas crafts that you can try with your little ones! And to make it easier, there are printable templates that you can download online just like our Print & Go Christmas Craft Pack! It has 6 Christmas characters that you can build! Just download these and print them to start crafting! You’ll only need a few materials like glue, markers, crayons, and scissors. These activities will help you and your little ones bond while developing their creativity and fine motor skills through cutting, pasting, and assembling together cute Christmas Crafts!
Get the FREE Christmas Crafts here!
4 Hot Cocoa Bar
Beat the cold with a cup or two of hot cocoa! Kids will surely love the idea of setting up a hot cocoa bar with various toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate chips, sprinkles, and more! Let your kids customize their own cups of hot cocoa, and then enjoy sipping their delicious creations. It's a warm and tasty winter treat for everyone!
5 Snowy Sensory Bin
Kids love sensory exploration, and a Snowy Sensory Bin sounds so much fun! But it doesn’t need to be just cold! You can create a winter-themed sensory bin by filling a container with white rice, cotton balls, or instant snow powder like this one from Team Cartwright. Add small winter-themed toys like penguins, snowflakes, and mini sleds to create something like this Arctic Sensory Bin from Fun Learning for Kids. Let the children explore and play in the "snow," creating imaginative winter scenes!
Preschoolers will absolutely love these activities and at the same time help them develop their creativity, sensory exploration, and physical activity, making the most of the winter season indoors and outdoors!
Winter is indeed a magical season, and by incorporating these delightful books, songs, and activities into your preschooler's winter experience, you can create wonderful memories with your kids. Whether you're exploring the snowy adventures of "The Snowy Day," singing about playful snowmen, or engaging in creative indoor snowball fights, it’d be a great time to connect with your little ones while teaching them! If you are a subscriber, be sure to take note of these activities - these will be great follow-up and complementary activities for The Snow Box, our theme this December!
And if you want more time teaching them and bonding with them, let us help you out by preparing everything for you! With My Pre-K Box, you won’t have to worry about a thing - it will be all prepped and delivered to your door! No more researching, planning, and cramming to make the activities yourselves! My Pre-K Box will handle it all for you, while you guide and watch them learn in the convenience of our home!
Our play-based learning tools are designed to target important math and literacy skills, and we even include sensory play to engage all of your child's senses. Plus, every box comes with a helpful guide for grown-ups to make the most of the learning experience.
The best part? Our games and activities are mostly reusable, making it budget-friendly and perfect for sharing among siblings. And for those who just can't get enough of our crafts, we even offer a Craft Lovers Upgrade for just $8.95 per child.
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