When you come back from a long break, Winter classroom ideas can fall flat, or be uninspired.
Thankfully, starting the year with Winter themes can get you in the mood and make it easier. For that reason, my Polar Animals unit is always my favorite. I know the kids love anything to do with animals, so I am always excited to begin.
Winter Classroom Ideas Come to Life with Dramatic Play
After the kids left for break, we set up our Arctic Exploration Station in our Dramatic Play Center. I just created this set, so I was a little unsure of what I had on hand to add to the sign set, but we managed to cobble together a pretty cool little Arctic lab for our little scientists, researchers and explorers…it will be fun to watch their imaginations take off this week.
The Winter Bookshelf
I have set a bookshelf with the extra Winter and Polar Animals books that I had on hand, saving my favorites to read to the class this week. There is so much out there in nonfiction that I can’t wait to see what grabs their attention! I love to find really cool videos on youtube that show what the arctic animals look like in the summer and early fall…then watch the amazement as the kids see how the animal’s fur will change to white as winter approaches! As a result, we have some great conversations about camouflage and how animals keep away from predators. I just love to listen to all that they know, and what they can guess on their own based on prior knowledge and common sense. Consequently, higher level thinking kicks into gear!
If you need any help readying your room for Polar animal week…go to my TPT store and you will find everything you need for a great week of learning and fun!
Just follow the links below and enjoy exploring and learning with your little ones!
Polar Animals Complete Classroom Bundle for Preschool, PreK, K & Homeschool
All About Polar Animals 5-day Unit/Lesson Plans for Preschool PreK, K Homeschool
Arctic Exploration Station Dramatic Play: Signs, Props, & MORE!
Polar Animals 5-day Lesson Plan & Arctic Exploration Dramatic Play Bundle!
Mama & Baby Polar Bear Letter Match!