December usually brings a shorter month for most public schools, at least in my area. With the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities creating excitement among kindergartners, I prefer to provide targeted, engaging activities that connect with my current theme while also meeting kindergarten standards. Here are some of my favorite December Literacy Activities for Little Learners that you will enjoy.
December isn’t just about winter or snow-themed activities; it’s also the perfect time for gingerbread fun. I absolutely LOVE incorporating gingerbread activities into my December curriculum.
Winter Storytime
Create a cozy reading corner with blankets and pillows. Choose a selection of winter-themed picture books and have a daily storytime session. Have your little learners discuss the stories and share their favorite parts . Also include Picture Book Activity Packs for purposeful practice of literacy skills. Here are my favorites that will be sure to become yours. Discuss the stories and identify key characters and events for added comprehension and verbal expression practice.
To visit the KC Store, click on the images above, or click here for TPT.
Sensory Bin Activities
Creating a sensory bin filled with artificial snow can be a delightful and engaging activity. Start by using materials like shredded white paper, cotton balls, or even rock salt to create a snowy base. Add in winter-themed toys such as gingerbread cutouts, penguins, or snowmen to bring the scene to life. To stimulate the sense of smell, incorporate scented items like cinnamon sticks and pine cones, which add a cozy, festive aroma to the experience.
To further enhance the sensory play, consider adding engaging task cards that promote literacy skills. The Snowy Sight Word and Gingerbread task cards are excellent options, as they not only provide purposeful practice but are also editable. This combination of sensory exploration, thematic toys, and literacy activities will create a rich and enjoyable experience for your little learners.
December Activities Bundle
This comprehensive December bundle features both literacy and math activities, making it an excellent resource for kindergarten teachers. It contains 14 unique themed activities that are ideal for whole group instruction, station work, partner tasks, independent practice, and even for fast finishers.
Sprinkle some fun and engaging literacy activities into your December kindergarten plans, and watch the magic unfold for a month that’s both meaningful and super productive!