Welcome to your January Learning Through Play Guide — a month of cozy sensory setups, winter STEM, crafts, literacy, and creative exploration designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers.
January often brings cold weather, shorter days, and a need for meaningful indoor play. That’s why we’ve curated play-based activities that build early learning skills, support fine motor development, and help you create a gentle daily rhythm at home or in your homeschool.
Whether you’re exploring snow & ice themes, arctic animal worlds, or winter crafts, this month’s activities are designed to be hands-on, simple to set up, and full of learning through play joy.
Week 1 — New Year & Winter Play
Start the month with activities centered on new beginnings, math, sensory exploration, and calm holiday-to-routine transitions.
🧠 Sensory & Science
New Year Disco Ball & Mirror Bin — a sparkly sensory invitation to explore light & reflection.
Mindfulness Foam — sensory foam that doubles as calm-down play and texture exploration.
📚 Storytime
The Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution — a story about setting intentions and routines.
✨ Calm & Craft
Make a Calming Corner — create a soothing sensory space for still moments.
Build on this week with activity reflections in your homeschool rhythm: sensory morning, storytime mid-day, craft in the afternoon.
Week 2 — Snow & Ice
Welcome the heart of winter with snow-themed letters, frozen science, and sensory crafts.
🧊 Snow & Science
Ice Cube Melting Race — speedy sensory science to explore temperature changes.
Freeze & Melt Experiment — extend the play with droppers and warm water.
❄️ Crafts & Fine Motor
Paper Snowflake Cutting — perfect for scissor practice and creating winter décor.
Snow Globe Craft — a favorite winter craft with visual sensory appeal.
📚 Winter Reads
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats — a classic story that captures winter wonder.
👉 For even more snow & ice ideas, check our winter sensory play collection and Flisat table setups like Ice Skating & Snow Play and other snowy activities.
Week 3 — Arctic Animals
Explore polar life as you create arctic sensory bins, build habitats, and watch little learners make connections to the animal world.
🐧 Arctic Sensory Play
Arctic Animal Counting — combine counting practice with animal figures.
Penguin Ice Skating Tray — sensory play inspired by ice and movement.
🎨 Crafts & Art
Polar Bear Paw Painting — sensory art exploring winter textures.
Paper Roll Penguin & Polar Bear — upcycle toilet paper rolls into winter mascots.
📚 Storytime
The Bear Snores On — a cozy read aloud that pairs well with arctic activities.
👉 Dive deeper into arctic sensory play with the South Pole Sensory Bin — snow, ice, and animal habitats inspired by polar landscapes. (Goodnight Fox)
Week 4 — Food, Health & Winter Wellness
Round out the month with winter food, health exploration, and play invitations that support healthy habits and sensory engagement.
🍎 Healthy Food Play
Fruit & Veggie Counting — math meets nutrition awareness.
Taste Test Science — try new foods and talk about texture, taste, and preference.
🧼 Health & Hygiene
Germs Are Not for Sharing — a playful way to reinforce hygiene habits.
Handwashing Poster & Activity — add sensory foam and glitter to practice handwashing routines.
🧸 Calm Play
Fruit Stamp Art — creative exploration after sensory and food sorting.
Extra Winter Play Extensions
Here are a few seasonal activities from around the blog that you can slot in this month — linked and ready to explore:
❄️ Winter Crafts
Pipe Cleaner Snowflake Craft — simple, sparkly fine motor fun for winter art projects.
🐻 Winter Sensory Play
Winter Arctic Animals — Ice Sensory Bin — meltable ice, arctic animals, and sensory exploration all in one bin.
⛸️ Ice Skating & Snow Play
A variety of ice, coconut snow, and sensory bin ideas perfect for January indoor play.
How This Fits Into a Homeschool Rhythm
January play doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Try this simple daily rhythm:
Morning: Sensory or math invitations (e.g., counting, ice play)
Midday: Storytime + craft
Afternoon: Independent sensory play or themed extension activity
This gentle rhythm supports skill building without extra stress — perfect for winter months when cozy, engaging play is more important than rigid schedules.
Want a done-for-you way to organize these themes into a full homeschool plan? My GoodnightFox Homeschool Curriculum Planner includes weekly themes, activity suggestions, worksheets, and seasonal structure so you don’t have to reinvent your weekly planning.
👉 Explore the planner here: https://goodnightfox.myshopify.com/products/homeschool-curriculum
Books to Pair With January Play
Reading aloud strengthens language and builds anticipatory play. Pair sensory bins or crafts with seasonal reads like:
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner
If You Were a Penguin (various editions)
These books compliment sensory, art, and animal exploration throughout January.
Your Turn: Winter Play Checklist
To help you keep track this month, use this simple checklist:
❏ Arctic animal sensory bin
❏ Ice science or melt experiment
❏ Snow globe craft
❏ Pipe cleaner snowflakes
❏ Healthy food & habits play
❏ Storytime with a winter book
Don’t feel like you must do everything — pick a few favorites each week and let play grow from there.
January Wrap-Up
January is the perfect time to slow down, build rhythms, and connect through play. These activities are designed to support learning, curiosity, and meaningful moments at home.
Start with one activity each day or rotate them through the week. If you ever want help organizing these ideas into a full homeschool rhythm that fits your family’s life, the GoodnightFox Playschool Planner was created with exactly that goal in mind.
👉 Check it out here: https://goodnightfox.myshopify.com/products/homeschool-curriculum