"The Snowy Day" by Ezra Jack Keats 

A classic winter story that captures the joy of playing in the snow. 

"The Story of Hanukkah" by David A. Adler 

An informative book that explains the significance of Hanukkah in a simple and engaging way. 

Week 1: Understanding Traditions

• • Explore various winter festivals and their traditions, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.

  • Discuss the importance of sharing and celebrating with family and friends.

Week 2: Creating Festive Decorations

• • Organize an outdoor crafting session to make festive decorations using natural materials.

  • Encourage children to express their creativity while working together.

Week 3: Winter Nature Walk

• • Take an outdoor nature walk to observe changes in the natural environment during winter.

  • Discuss how animals and plants adapt to the season.

Week 4: Giving and Sharing

• • Discuss the concept of giving and sharing during festivals.

  • Organize an outdoor "giving" activity where children exchange handmade gifts or drawings.

Week 1: Festive Storytime

• • Read and share festive-themed stories outdoors, using props and puppets.

  • Encourage children to retell stories in their own words.

Week 2: Festive Song Circle

• • Gather for an outdoor singing session, learning and singing festive songs together.

  • Practice using rhythm and melody in a group setting.

Week 3: Nature Journaling

• • Provide outdoor journals for children to draw and write about their winter nature observations.

  • Explore descriptive language related to winter scenes.

Week 4: Storytelling with Winter Props

• • Use outdoor props like snowflakes and icicles to create and act out winter-themed stories.

  • Encourage children to use their imaginations.

Week 1: Festive Dance Party

• • Organize an outdoor festive dance party, with children dancing to holiday music.

  • Promote physical activity and coordination through dance.

Week 2: Snowy Obstacle Course

• • Set up an outdoor obstacle course with snow (if available) or soft play materials.

  • Encourage children to navigate the course, building physical skills.

Week 3: Winter Yoga

• • Practice winter-themed yoga poses outdoors, incorporating animal movements.

  • Focus on balance and flexibility.

Week 4: Festive Parade

• • Plan an outdoor festive parade, allowing children to dress up and parade their handmade decorations.

  • Enhance gross motor skills and creativity.

Week 1: Festive Counting

• • Use festive-themed outdoor materials for counting and sorting activities (e.g., counting ornaments or snowflakes).

  • Reinforce numeracy skills.

Week 2: Winter Shape Hunt

• • Organize an outdoor shape hunt, searching for and identifying shapes in the natural environment.

  • Discuss shapes related to winter.

Week 3: Winter Measurement

• • Explore non-standard measurement outdoors, comparing lengths of natural objects like twigs and pinecones.

  • Discuss concepts of long and short.

Week 4: Patterned Snowflakes

• • Create outdoor snowflake patterns using natural materials like leaves or stones.

  • Ask children to identify and replicate the patterns.

Week 1: Festive Traditions Around the World

• • Explore how different cultures celebrate winter festivals.

  • Discuss traditional foods, clothing, and customs.

Week 2: Winter Wildlife Observation

• • Set up outdoor bird feeders and observe local wildlife.

  • Document bird species and their winter behaviors.

Week 3: Winter Weather Experiments

• • Conduct simple weather experiments outdoors, like freezing water and observing snowflakes.

  • Discuss winter weather phenomena.

Week 4: Festive Taste Testing

• • Organize an outdoor taste-testing activity with winter-themed treats.

  • Discuss flavors, textures, and the concept of taste.

Week 1: Festive Art Gallery

• • Create an outdoor art gallery displaying children's festive artwork and crafts.

  • Invite families for an art exhibition.

Week 2: Nature-Inspired Decorations

• • Use natural materials found outdoors to make festive decorations.

  • Encourage children to use their imagination and creativity.

Week 3: Winter Soundscape

• • Listen to the sounds of winter outdoors and create an outdoor sound installation.

  • Use natural materials to generate different sounds.

Week 4: Festive Dance and Music Showcase

• • Organize an outdoor dance and music showcase for families.

  • Children can perform festive songs and dances learned throughout the month.