Grade Levels: K-3

In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about winter holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the winter solstice. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr. Winter Holidays topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.

Classroom Activities for Teaching About the Winter Holidays

New Year’s Around the World

People in different cultures celebrate the New Year in different ways. Have your students conduct research at the library or explore the Internet to find out how New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are observed around the world. Then hold your own “New Year” celebration incorporating different customs and traditions. You can count down to 12:00 in the afternoon.

The Season of Giving

Remind your children that the winter holidays are about spending time with family and community members. It is also about helping those in need. Together come up with an activity to help out those in need. You may want to organize a fundraiser to help raise money for disaster relief, volunteer at a soup kitchen, clean up a local park, read to the elderly, or raise awareness about a global or local cause. Help your students organize and implement the activity in the school or community.

Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About the Winter Holidays

New Year’s Resolution

Set a New Year’s resolution with your child. If possible, create a resolution you can do together. It is important to come up with an attainable, positive goal, such as reading two books a month, exercising three times a week, or reading something each night. You can use a calendar to help you and your child budget your time and help develop your child’s time management and organization skills.

Santa’s On His Way

People in some cultures say that a man delivers presents on Christmas. This man is known as Santa Claus here, but he goes by different names in different cultures. The stories about him differ from culture to culture, too. Together with your child, explore this character in other cultures. Was there actually a Saint Nicholas? Visit your local library or hop on the Internet to find out!

Filed as:  K-3, Winter Holidays