WHAT WILL YOUR JANUARY LOOK LIKE?

January can be fun even though the holidays are behind us. January offers plenty of opportunities for fun and learning activities for children!

Here are some ideas organized by themes:

Winter and Seasonal Activities

1. Snow Science:

• Experiment with melting snow: How long does it take to melt indoors?
• Measure how much water is in a cup of snow.

1. Snowflake Art: Create paper snowflakes and learn about the science of snow crystals (no two snowflakes are alike!).
2. Winter Animals: Learn about hibernation and migration with crafts or animal studies (e.g., bears, birds, or penguins).
3. Winter Storytime: Read books like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats and do a related craft or writing activity.

New Year’s Goals and Resolutions

1. Vision Boards: Have children create vision boards with their goals for the year.
2. Goal Writing: Practice writing by having students write a paragraph about what they want to learn or achieve in the new year.
3. Kindness Calendar: Create a daily kindness challenge for January.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)

1. Timeline of Events: Create a timeline of MLK’s life with simple drawings or key facts.
2. "I Have a Dream" Clouds: Write dreams for the world on paper clouds and hang them up.
3. Books and Videos: Share age-appropriate books like Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport.

Winter STEM Activities

1. Frozen Bubbles: Blow bubbles outside (if it's freezing!) and observe what happens.
2. Build a Snow Fort: Teach children about engineering by building small snow structures.
3. Ice Excavation: Freeze small toys in blocks of ice and have kids figure out the best way to "excavate" them.

January Holidays and Observances

1. National Puzzle Day (January 29): Spend the day solving puzzles or creating your own.
2. International Creativity Month: Encourage imaginative play, storytelling, or art projects.

Cultural Activities

1. Lunar New Year (if it falls in January): Explore traditions, make paper lanterns, or learn about the animals of the zodiac.

Winter Sports and Games

1. Indoor Winter Olympics: Set up simple challenges like a "snowball" toss with cotton balls or relay races.
2. Winter Sports Writing: Learn about winter sports and have children write about one they’d like to try.

January-Themed Math and Reading

1. Winter Word Problems: Create math problems using snowflakes, hot cocoa, or winter gear.
2. Reading Challenge: Start a reading goal for January, like a winter-themed book list. Take a look at Sneezy the Snowman. or Snow Day from the Black Lagoon.
3. 

Winter sports are a fantastic way to stay active and have fun during January! Whether kids and families are outdoors enjoying the snow or indoors staying warm, here are some winter sport activities:

Outdoor Winter Sports

1. Ice Skating:

• Visit a local ice rink or skate on a frozen pond (safety first!).
• Practice spins, races, or just enjoy gliding across the ice.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding:

• Hit the slopes for downhill skiing or try cross-country skiing on flat trails.
• Many ski resorts offer lessons for beginners.

1. Sledding:

• Grab a sled or toboggan and race down snowy hills.
• Create small jumps for extra excitement.

1. Snowshoeing:

• Explore snowy trails on snowshoes, which are easy for all ages to use.

1. Hockey:

• Play a friendly game of ice hockey or practice skating with a hockey stick and puck.
• No ice? Try street hockey with soft balls and nets.

1. Winter Hiking:

• Explore local parks or trails and observe how nature changes in the winter.

1. Curling:

• Look for local curling clubs offering beginner sessions. It's a fun, strategic ice sport for all ages.

1. Snowball Games:

• Have a snowball target practice or a snowball relay race.

Indoor Winter Sports

1. Indoor Ice Skating:

• Many indoor rinks are open year-round and provide a warm place to skate.

1. Swimming at an Indoor Pool:

• Escape the cold by heading to a heated indoor pool for lessons or free play.

1. Rock Climbing:

• Try indoor climbing walls for physical and mental challenges.

Fun for Kids and Beginners

1. Broom Ball:

• A simplified hockey-like game played with brooms and a ball on ice (or snow).

1. Snow Golf:

• Use sticks or clubs to hit balls into snow "holes" for a winter twist on mini-golf.

1. Snow Bowling:

• Set up bowling pins (or empty bottles) and roll snowballs to knock them down.

1. Ski Scootering:

• Try a ski scooter, a hybrid of a sled and scooter for sliding down snowy hills.

For Fitness Enthusiasts

1. Fat Tire Biking:

• Ride bikes with extra-wide tires on snowy or icy trails.

1. Winter Running:

• Join a winter fun run or jog on clear paths with proper footwear.

1. Snow Yoga:

• Bundle up and practice yoga poses in the snow for a unique mindfulness experience.

Community Winter Sports Events

• Look for local events like snowshoe races, community skating nights, or family-friendly hockey tournaments.

Check out my store, Elly Elementary, for all your K-5th grade curriculum needs.

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Happy New Year from Elly Elementary !!