Books + Sensory Play Ideas to Extend Learning Through Play
January is one of my favorite months to homeschool. The slower pace after the holidays, cozy winter themes, and natural focus on reflection make it the perfect time to lean into literature-based learning paired with sensory play.
This January reading list comes straight from our homeschool planner for ages 3–5, and I wanted to share it here on the blog so you can:
Easily revisit the book list
Pair stories with hands-on sensory activities
Extend learning beyond read-aloud time
Bookmark it as a monthly rhythm resource
Many of these titles are also included as links in my planner, so having them here creates a helpful, searchable reference for homeschool moms planning month by month.
How We Use Monthly Reading Lists
Each week, we focus on:
1–2 anchor books
Short daily read-alouds
A sensory bin, craft, or fine-motor activity inspired by the story
This approach supports:
Language development
Emotional regulation
Fine motor skills
Theme-based vocabulary
Longer attention spans through play
If you’re homeschooling toddlers or preschoolers, this style keeps learning gentle, playful, and developmentally appropriate.
January Homeschool Reading List (Ages 3–5)
🌟 New Year, Feelings & Growth
The Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution
Pair with:
Goal-setting sensory tray (scoops + labeled cups like “kind,” “try,” “help”)
Acorn counting or color sorting
Simple “New Year promises” drawing page
The Night Before New Year’s
Pair with:
Countdown number cards
DIY ball drop using recycled tubes
Fireworks sensory bin (black beans + glitter stars)
The Stars Will Still Shine
I Am Peace
Pair with:
Calm-down sensory bottles
Breathing cards
Soft textures tray (felt, pom-poms, smooth stones)
🛠 Perseverance & Creativity
The Most Magnificent Thing
Pair with:
Loose parts building tray
Cardboard engineering challenge
Magnets or recycled materials bin
This book is perfect for reinforcing growth mindset during the first month of the year.
❄️ Snow & Winter Exploration
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
A Big Snow by Jonathan Bean
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Pair with:
Fake snow sensory bin
Ice excavation with pipettes
Snowflake pattern matching
Magnifying glasses for “snow science”
These titles align beautifully with Week 2: Snow & Ice in your January homeschool schedule.
🐻 Arctic & Animal-Themed Reads
The Bear Snores On
Penguin Problems
Little Polar Bear
Way Up in the Arctic
If You Were a Penguin
Pair with:
Arctic animal small world play
Sink or float experiments
Ice cube habitats
Animal movement games
This set supports vocabulary, science concepts, and imaginative play—perfect for extending winter themes without worksheets.
🍎 Food, Nutrition & Health
Eating the Alphabet
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato
Good Enough to Eat
Pair with:
Food sorting trays
Felt fruits & vegetables
Counting snacks
Grocery store dramatic play
These books pair naturally with fine motor work, early literacy, and healthy habit discussions.
🧼 Health & Social Skills
Pair with:
Glitter “germ” transfer experiment
Handwashing sensory station
Role-play scenarios with dolls or figures
This is a wonderful January reset book as kids return to routines and group settings.
Sample Weekly Flow Using This Reading List
Monday:
Read-aloud + sensory bin
Tuesday:
Book-inspired fine motor activity
Wednesday:
Craft or art invitation
Thursday:
Vocabulary + movement activity
Friday:
Free play using the week’s sensory setup
This rhythm mirrors the structure in your January homeschool planner and keeps prep minimal.
Why Pair Books With Sensory Play?
When books are paired with hands-on activities, children:
Retain vocabulary longer
Stay engaged past their typical attention span
Make emotional and real-world connections
Develop fine motor and problem-solving skills
This is the heart of learning through play, and it’s exactly why I design my homeschool resources and sensory kits the way I do.
Want This Done for You?
Many of these activities are already built into:
Printable activity kits
Sensory play setups and flashcards
If you’re looking for low-prep, play-based learning, you’ll find plenty of support inside the Goodnight Fox shop.