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Things are getting chilly around here and it's time to start thinking of another season change. Winter is right around the corner!
This issue of Class Ideas is packed with Wintery ideas for your classroom. There are activities ideas to teach the Winter theme, a glittery craft, and links to some great websites. Of course, there are some free reproducible activities to download and we're introducing some neat new interactive books that would make great gifts.
I hope you find this issue useful and that your students have fun with the activities. Please feel free to email me if you have any suggestions for future newsletters; I love to hear from you!
Anna Mullen, Editor |
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| Bring Winter Into Your Classroom |
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 Help your students get excited about Winter with these fun and educational activities. Give them a try and watch their interest in the changing seasons grow.
The Arts
Listen to Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. Identify which season each piece of music was written about. Have students respond to the music by painting along with it during a second listen.
In groups, create a movement sequence that represents Winter.
Paint one image four times using colors that relate to each season. A landscape with a tree or other plants works well for this activity.
Draw a picture using wax crayons. Paint the back of the page with cooking oil. When it is dry, hang it in a window for a great stained-glass look.
English
In groups, sort a collection of pictures (clothes, activities, special days) into seasons. Discuss what makes the Winter items appropriate for that season.
Role-play conversations people might have in Winter.
Prepare a Winter weather report to present to the class.
Write Winter tongue twisters.
Write adjectives which describe Winter. Display as mobiles.
Cut pictures from magazines that relate to Winter. Use these to create collages.
Mathematics
Compare the number of hours of sunlight in the Winter and Summer.
Create symmetrical snowflakes by folding and cutting paper.
Record the weather on a chart for one week.
Sort clothing according to the season it is associated with. Graph results to determine when we wear certain clothes.
Health and Physical Education
Discuss common Winter health problems and how they can be prevented.
Plan a healthy snack or lunch using popular Winter foods.
Discuss what people in different countries do to stay warm. |
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| Crafty Idea: Snow Globe |
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 Shake things up this Winter with these cool snow globes! Your students will have a great time molding wintery sculptures and then be delighted when they see glitter snowing down on their creations.
Materials and Instructions
You will need:
One glass jar per student, polymer clay (such as Fimo), glycerine (1/2 cup per 10 jars), glitter, food coloring, bucket, jug.
Step 1 (teacher): Label jar and lid for each child.
Step 2 (children): Attach a pillar of clay to the inside of the lid. This will lift the sculpture above the jar necks.
Step 3 (children): Create a Winter-related sculpture out of clay. Occasionally check to be sure the jar still fits over the sculpture. After the sculpture is done, double check that all components are firmly joined.
Step 4 (children): Add some glitter to the jar.
Step 5 (teacher): Add glycerine and food coloring to a bucket of water. Mix thoroughly.
Step 6 (teacher): With a jug, pour this mixture into each jar.
Step 7 (teacher): Holding it over the bucket, submerge the sculpture into the jar. Be sure there is as little trapped air as possible and screw the lid on tightly.
Step 8 (children): Turn right side up and shake! |
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| Free Winter Activity Pages |
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 This month we've collected reproducible activities related to Winter and the seasons from some of our popular books. The activities range in grade level, so simply flip through and choose the ones that are appropriate for your class. |
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| Great Winter-Related Internet Resources |
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 The Internet is a great resource for preparing your Winter-themed instruction. From learning about winter hibernation to snow and other precipitation, we are sure you'll find these sites packed with fun facts and activities your students will love. |
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| Online Only: New Interactive Books |
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 Didax is proud to announce an exciting new line of interactive books! These books, from Innovative Kids, will grab your kids' interest and won't let go. And they're not just books; they each have special features, such as game boards, quiz cards, building blocks, and lift-a-flaps. |
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| December Newsletter Theme: Mapping Skills |
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 Keep your eyes open for next month's issue of Class Ideas. It will be filled with resources, ideas, and tips for teaching Mapping Skills in your classroom. |
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