Winter may be an overlooked season for nature journaling, but it offers rich opportunities for young learners to slow down, sharpen observation skills, and explore subtle seasonal changes.

The holiday season is a magical time to connect kids with the beauty of winter, all while sneaking in some hands-on learning! Whether you’re able to take the kids outside or are staying cozy indoors, there are so many ways to incorporate nature-themed activities into your classroom or home learning experiences.

This simple Friendsgiving activity was one of our group’s favorite fall gatherings. The kids chopped veggies, helped cook a cozy skillet meal, practiced table setting, and shared stories while families contributed sides and desserts for a full feast. It’s an easy, hands-on way to build community and weave practical life skills into your seasonal learning.

The shift from fall to winter is the perfect time to slow down, observe nature, and curl up with beautiful seasonal picture books. This list features five of our favorite children’s books that help kids notice the changes happening outdoors, from falling leaves to frosty mornings, and understand the natural cycle of the seasons.

Looking for a hands-on, low-prep way to review physical science concepts your students will actually remember? Try pancake science! This engaging classroom cooking demonstration turns everyday pancake mix into a meaningful review of conductors and insulators, mixtures and solutions, and states of matter.

Chemistry doesn’t have to mean complicated formulas or lab coats! With a few simple ingredients from around the house, you can help kids see chemistry in action: bubbling reactions, color changes, floating eggs, and more.