It’s December, and that means holidays, family gatherings, school breaks, chilly temperatures—and for some of us, snow! This time of the year offers great opportunities to help students, or your own children, explore and learn. Maybe they would enjoy learning about snow and weather, or how animals adapt to the cold, or how different cultures celebrate different holidays that are happening this month.

Whether you are a teacher looking for new ideas for your classroom this winter, or a parent hoping to help your child continue their learning outside the classroom, these resources can help.

Celebrate the Holidays - Check out this playlist to learn about the origins and traditions of December holidays.

December Holiday Fun - This collection includes word search activities for Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

Explore Weather and Science

Where Do Birds Go in Winter? 
As winter approaches, V-shaped flocks glide overhead as the world's birds begin their long treks to warmer climates. Humans used to have some pretty crazy theories about where birds went for winter, like the moon, or to the bottom of the ocean. Check out this episode of It's Okay to Be Smart to learn the truth about where our feathered friends travel in the winter.

Spot on Science | Weird Winter Phenomena
A very cold winter brings wondrous icy objects! Did you know everyday bubbles can become hard ice bubbles? And, that Lake Michigan's waves can roll ice balls? If that isn't cool enough, learn how rivers and smaller lakes can produce spiraling ice circles when warm weather brings a thaw. 

Seasonal Science: Thundersnow
What is thundersnow? A special winter snow storm with thunder and lightning! This rare winter weather phenomenon can engage students and introduce them to essential vocabulary including air masses, fronts, storms, and the water cycle.

NASA eClips: Our World - Snowpits
Learn about adaptations that help animals survive in winter biomes. See how scientists build snowpits to investigate these unique environments. Find out why NASA is interested in snow and ice. 

Seasonal Science: Frostbite
Frostbite, it’s more than just cold fingers, toes, and noses. Exposure to cold temperatures can damage cells, tissue, and organs. The explanation of this winter medical issue includes an engaging way to introduce students to human body organization.

Little Scientist: Will it Rain or Will it Snow?
All about weather. The weather changes every day. Wet, dry, cold, hot. Storms bring strong winds, uh oh. The weather changes with the seasons too.

Enjoy Crafts - When it’s too cold or messy outside, whip up some hot chocolate and indulge your creativity. These crafts are perfect for a winter day spent inside.

Play Games - Learn while having fun!

Grover's Winter Games - A great game for number recognition, patterns, and working memory. Grover leads the way as you compete in ice skating, snowboarding, and skiing while learning along the way!

Breaking the Ice Memory Card Game - Learn and practice Spanish, including vocabulary for drinks, snacks, and winter items, through the Oh Noah! Breaking the Ice webisode, related games, and lesson plan.

Celebrating Winter Bingo - A bilingual, weekly “Learn Along” Bingo packet l includes a range of thematic learning opportunities for children to choose their own learning adventure. For Pre-K & K,  For Grades 1 & 2

Check out learning resources from WHRO Public Media and our partners on eMediaVA.org.