The holiday season brings so much excitement into kindergarten and first-grade classrooms. It’s the perfect time to blend creativity with meaningful learning, all while keeping students engaged during one of the busiest months of the year.
Today, I’m sharing a few simple classroom ideas along with three ready-made holiday activities and resources that will make your holiday planning a breeze.
Holiday Resources You’ll Love
Holidays Around the World Journal (K–1)
If you’re exploring global celebrations this month, this journal is a wonderful way to introduce students to different winter holidays. They’ll locate countries on a map, explore flags, learn simple facts, and draw what they discover. It’s the perfect mix of social studies and writing, and it becomes a keepsake families cherish.
Gingerbread House for Sale Craft & Writing
Looking for a craft that is both adorable and purposeful? This gingerbread house activity invites students to build their own “house for sale,” then use descriptive or persuasive writing to bring it to life. It’s festive, creative, and builds real writing skills.
Christmas Math & Literacy Worksheets (K–1)
Need easy holiday-themed morning work, centers, or early finisher activities? This bundle includes a variety of worksheets that reinforce foundational math and literacy skills while still keeping things fun and seasonal.
Two Free & Easy Classroom Activities You Can Do Today
Need something quick and easy that you can do right now? You don’t need any special materials to create magical learning moments. Here are two no-prep ideas you can implement with items you already have:
1. Holiday Traditions Share & Sketch
Invite students to share a family holiday tradition, or choose one you’ve introduced in class. Students sketch the tradition and write a sentence or two about what makes it meaningful. You can even compile the pages into a “Class Holiday Traditions” display. It’s a sweet way to build community and celebrate diverse backgrounds.
2. Paper-Only Winter STEM Challenge
Give each student a single sheet of paper and a bit of tape. Challenge them to build the tallest holiday tree or widest gift box they can. Afterward, measure and compare structures, then have students write or discuss what design changes they would make next time. It’s hands-on, creative, and perfect for a high-energy December afternoon.
Making December Meaningful
A well-balanced mix of structure and creativity helps students stay on track during this busy season. Whether you’re exploring world holidays, working on writing skills through a gingerbread craft, or reinforcing academics with themed worksheets, these activities keep learning joyful and intentional.
If you try any of these ideas, I’d love to hear how they go!
For more winter writing ideas, check out my post here!
