The excitement of December has worn off, students are back from break, and you need to pull out all the tricks to keep them engaged during this chilly month. I’m excited to share 4 of my favorite (and low prep) winter reading and writing activities for January!
Winter Reading and Writing Activities
Coming back to school after winter break is tough on students AND teachers. It’s crucial that you have engaging lessons and activities planned and ready-to-go. I’m hoping the following reading and writing ideas will help to ease the transition.
1. Publish A Winter Break Newspaper
Because your students have been away for several weeks, they have missed you and their friends. Not only that, they have A LOT of things they want to tell you! Seize that moment to get them all writing!
This free download includes publishing pages and journal prompts for Fall, Winter, and Spring Break. PLUS, the completed writing makes an easy, low-prep bulletin board!
2. New Year’s Resolution Writing and Reading
Every new year, I like to have students write personal resolutions. January a great time to reset and reflect. I decided to adapt this practice in to the classroom and show my students the importance of setting goals.
This New Year’s 5-day unit includes videos, leveled readers, craft templates, and more. My students always enjoy learning about New Year’s traditions and writing New Year’s resolutions of their own for the year.
Plus, they are super fun to read and display on a bulletin board!
Need more ideas? Check out 50 MORE New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Kids
3. The Science of Snow
Even if you do not live in a state that sees snow (me!), your students will likely still be intrigued with the idea of it. Learning the science of snow is a great way to tie together reading, writing, and science concepts together!
As you know, I LOVE using fiction and nonfiction books to help bring concepts to life. There are a variety of books all about snow, but here are my three favorites!
1. Snowflake Bentley
by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
This heartwarming Caldecott Award winner, follows the life of Wilson Bentley and his fascination of snow.
In addition to the engaging story, your students will also get to learn facts about snow and view real photographs of different snowflakes.
2. Curious About Snow
by Gina Shaw
If your students loved Snowflake Bentley, this is another great book to add to the collection.
With the help of Bentley’s real photographs, students can dive deeper into the hows, whys, wheres, and whats of snow.
3. It’s Snowing!
by Gail Gibbons
This kid-friendly story does a wonderful job of sharing the science behind snow through the use of fun illustrations and diagrams.
Throughout the story, your students will learn about the condensation cycle, view a map of where it snows, see snowflakes upclose, and learn more about winter activities and safety.
4. How to Build a Snowman
I love tying procedural writing practice into real life experiences. This January writing activity helps tie in the science of snow, the current state of the environment, and of course writing skills all together.
Have students practice how-to writing by a step-by-step guide as to how to build a snowman. Bonus points if you can go outside and build one in real life!
Download the FREE snowman printable
Psst: If you live somewhere without snow, you could always simulate the experience in the classroom with play doh and fun decorations (fabric for scarves, buttons, etc).
More January Classroom Fun
I hope you’ve found some easy winter reading and writing activities to use in your classroom. Looking for more January classroom ideas to keep your kiddos engaged and learning? Check out some of my favorites below!
50 New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Kids
FREE Valentine’s Day & MLK Bulletin Board Templates
100th Day Activities for 2nd and 3rd Grade
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