Winter Secular Homeschool Planning Guide

As the winter season blankets the world in a shimmering layer of snow, homeschooling families have a unique opportunity to turn the chill into thrilling educational experiences. This season offers many hands-on activities that engage young minds and foster a love for learning. We’ll explore various winter secular homeschool ideas tailored for elementary-age kids, ensuring the learning journey is as exciting as a snowball fight!

Winter Secular Homeschool

To create a fantastic winter homeschool season filled with excitement and learning, integrate a variety of activities across different categories. Engage young minds with captivating Snowflake Science experiments, exploring the unique structures of snow crystals.

Don’t forget to read about the Reason for the Seasons! You’ll find a similar style free guide for studying seasons too!

Take advantage of the winter landscape with Nature Walks, providing observation sheets for kids to document seasonal changes. Dive into the Winter Olympics with a fun and educational study, organizing mini-games and challenges at home. Explore the night sky with Winter Astronomy, identifying constellations visible in the Northern Hemisphere.

Foster a love for literature by incorporating Winter Theme Literature, reading enchanting books that capture the magic of the season. Track Winter Weather, recording daily temperatures and observing atmospheric conditions. Embark on a Wildlife Study, learning about hibernation and winter adaptations.

Cultivate creativity with Winter Theme Art Projects, allowing kids to express themselves through winter-inspired crafts. Stimulate critical thinking with Winter STEM Challenges, encouraging problem-solving and teamwork.

Build a deeper connection to nature with a Winter Ecology Study and encourage personal reflection with Winter Theme Field Journals. By blending these activities, you’ll create a well-rounded and memorable winter homeschooling experience for elementary-age kids.

Winter Science Experiments

Here are a few classic winter science experiments to explore different concepts in the field of science, including physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science! Even better… no snow required for the majority of them!

• Make frost on a can indoors!
• Try ice fishing indoors.
• How do polar bears stay warm? Blubber experiment.
• Create a snowstorm in a jar!

Got Snow? If you have a ton of snow outside, dive into these Snow Science Activities.

Snowflake Science

Delve into the captivating world of snowflake science with your elementary-age scholars. Discuss the science behind snowflake formation, emphasizing their unique hexagonal structures. Encourage kids to observe and sketch different snowflake shapes, fostering an understanding of symmetry and crystalline structures. Experiment with simple DIY crystal formation or explore freezing points through engaging activities.

• Snowflake Borax Crystals
• Snowflake Salt Crystals
• Snowflake STEM Challenges
• Will it Freeze?
• More Snowflake Theme Activities
• Snowflake Facts Pack 👇 (Shop)

Winter Nature Walks

Take advantage of the winter wonderland right outside your door with nature walks. Grab this free observation page for your kids to document the winter landscape. Encourage kids to note changes in flora and fauna, animal tracks, and any signs of winter adaptation. This activity boosts observation skills and instills a deeper connection to nature.

Winter Olympics Study

Turn the Winter Olympics into an exciting learning opportunity. Explore the history, geography, and cultural aspects of the host country. Integrate math by tracking medal counts and timelines. Encourage creativity by organizing mini “Winter Olympics” at home with various games and challenges.

Winter Astronomy

Stargazing takes on a magical quality in the winter sky. Introduce your kids to the constellations visible during winter nights. Explore the science behind the winter solstice and discuss how different cultures have celebrated the changing seasons throughout history. Identify planets and learn about their unique characteristics, or study lunar phases!

Several prominent constellations grace the winter night sky in the Northern Hemisphere, adding a celestial touch to the chilly evenings. Here are some notable winter constellations:

• Orion the Hunter: Perhaps one of the most recognizable constellations, Orion dominates the winter sky. Look for the three distinctive “belt” stars, Orion’s Sword, and the red supergiant star Betelgeuse.
• Taurus the Bull: Located near Orion, Taurus features the bright star Aldebaran, known as the “Eye of the Bull.” The Pleiades star cluster, also called the Seven Sisters, is another beautiful feature in Taurus.
• Gemini the Twins: To the west of Orion, you’ll find the constellation Gemini. Castor and Pollux, the twin stars, are the most prominent features.
• Canis Major – The Great Dog: Home to the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, Canis Major follows Orion. Sirius is often referred to as the “Dog Star.”
• Canis Minor – The Little Dog: Located near Canis Major, Canis Minor is a small constellation with the bright star Procyon.
• Auriga the Charioteer: Auriga is visible in the northern winter sky and is often associated with a pentagon of stars. Capella, a bright yellow star, is the most prominent in this constellation.
• Ursa Major – The Great Bear: Although Ursa Major is visible year-round, its prominence in the winter sky makes it worth mentioning. The Big Dipper, part of Ursa Major, is easily identifiable.
• Cassiopeia the Queen: Cassiopeia is shaped like a distinctive “W” or “M” in the night sky and is visible throughout the winter months.
• Perseus: Perseus is known for associating with Greek mythology, particularly the hero Perseus. Look for the star Algol, also known as the “Demon Star,” in this constellation.
• Andromeda: The constellation Andromeda is home to the Andromeda Galaxy, the nearest spiral galaxy to our Milky Way. It’s visible in the winter sky, and the galaxy itself is a target for astronomers.

Download the free Constellation Pack featuring some of the winter night sky constellations.

Winter Theme Literature

Head to the library or browse through Amazon. Curl up with a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa, and a good book that captures the essence of winter.

Books for Younger Kids

“The Snowy Day” by Ezra Jack Keats: Peter wakes up to a world transformed by snow and embarks on a magical adventure in his red snowsuit. This classic captures the joy of a child’s first encounter with freshly fallen snow.

“Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen: A daughter and her father venture into the silent woods on a winter night in search of the elusive great horned owl. This beautifully illustrated book celebrates the special bond between parent and child.

“The Mitten” by Jan Brett: When a young boy loses his white mitten in the snow, various woodland animals seek refuge inside it, creating a delightful and cozy story filled with humor and charm.

“Snowflake Bentley” by Jacqueline Briggs Martin: This biography introduces Wilson Bentley, a pioneer in the field of snowflake photography. Readers learn about Bentley’s passion for capturing the intricate beauty of snow crystals.

“Winter Dance” by Marion Dane Bauer: Follow a red fox as he seeks advice from various winter animals on the perfect dance to celebrate the winter season. A delightful tale with lyrical prose and enchanting illustrations.

“The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg: On Christmas Eve, a young boy takes a magical train journey to the North Pole. This heartwarming story emphasizes the spirit of belief and the magic of the holiday season.

“Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner: Ever wonder what snowmen do when everyone is asleep? This imaginative book explores the secret nighttime adventures of snowmen, from snowball fights to sledding.

“Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson: In this rhyming tale, a group of animals seeks refuge in Bear’s cave during a winter storm. While Bear hibernates, the lively group turns his den into a lively party.

“Katy and the Big Snow” by Virginia Lee Burton: Join Katy, a brave and capable snowplow, as she clears the way for the city during a massive snowstorm. This classic story highlights the importance of hard work and determination.

“The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen: A timeless fairy tale that explores the power of friendship and the triumph of love over evil. Gerda embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her friend Kay from the icy grasp of the Snow Queen.

Books for Older Kids

“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis: Venture into the magical land of Narnia, where it’s always winter but never Christmas. Follow the Pevensie siblings as they join forces with Aslan to overthrow the White Witch’s icy reign.

“The Golden Compass” by Philip Pullman: In a frozen, alternate universe, Lyra Belacqua embarks on a quest to the Arctic to uncover a sinister plot involving kidnapped children and a mysterious substance known as Dust.

“Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen: After a plane crash leaves him stranded in the Canadian wilderness, 13-year-old Brian must use his wits and a small hatchet to survive the harsh winter elements.

“Shiver” by Maggie Stiefvater: This captivating novel tells the tale of Grace and Sam, whose love is entwined with the secrets of a werewolf pack that transforms with the onset of winter.

“Icefall” by Matthew J. Kirby: Set in ancient Scandinavia, this historical fantasy follows a princess and her companions as they navigate political intrigue and a mysterious enemy during a brutal winter siege.

“The Call of the Wild” by Jack London: Buck, a domestic dog stolen from his home, must adapt to the harsh conditions of the Alaskan wilderness during the Klondike Gold Rush. A classic tale of survival and self-discovery.

“Northern Lights” by Lucy Hounsom: In a world gripped by an eternal winter, a young girl named Yaz discovers her latent magical abilities and must navigate a frozen landscape to uncover the truth about her powers.

“The Truce at Bakura” by Kathy Tyers: A part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, this novel explores the aftermath of the Battle of Endor as Rebel forces and Imperial troops join together to defend against a common enemy on the icy planet Bakura.

“Snow Like Ashes” by Sara Raasch: In a land divided by seasons, Meira, a Winterian refugee, fights to restore her kingdom’s magic and freedom from the oppressive rule of the malevolent Spring kingdom.

“A Northern Light” by Jennifer Donnelly: Set against the backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains in 1906, this historical novel follows Mattie Gokey as she grapples with the challenges of family, love, and aspirations amidst a harsh winter.

Free Printable Winter Secular Homeschool Guide

Grab your free winter secular homeschool guide here and look for more free printables throughout the post.

Winter Weather Tracking

Engage in real-world science by tracking and analyzing winter weather. Go ahead and record daily temperatures, precipitation, and cloud cover. Create a weather journal, and encourage your kid to make predictions based on observed patterns. Discuss the role of weather in shaping ecosystems and human activities.

Download this free Winter Weather Tracker! Start each day with the weather and add to a binder. You can graph different features such as snow, wind, and sun each month. You can also find average temperatures for the week and month. Make a number plot or draw a graph!

Winter Wildlife Study

Explore the wonders of winter wildlife, including hibernation. Kids can research animals that adapt to the cold, discussing their behaviors and physical adaptations. Create a project on hibernation and migration, and perhaps even build a simple bird feeder or these birdseed ornaments to attract local winter birds.

Winter Art Projects

Get creative with winter-themed art projects. Explore famous artists and add a bit of art history, or explore process art to unleash your creative side! Make puffy snow paint, cut out snowflakes, and so much more! From Picasso to Seurat to Pollock to Kahlo and beyond!

Get started with Winter Theme Art Projects here.

Winter STEM Challenges

Challenge your budding scientists with winter-themed STEM activities. Build snowflake structures using toothpicks and marshmallows, design a sled that can glide smoothly down a slope, or create an insulated shelter for a snowman. These challenges promote problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.

• Winter STEM Challenge Cards
• Snowflake STEM Challenge Cards
• Build an Igloo Challenge

Featured Pack: Winter STEM Story (Shop)

Winter Ecology Study

Dive into the ecology of winter environments. Explore how plants and animals adapt to survive the cold, such as camouflage. Discuss the importance of winter in the life cycle of ecosystems and how human activities can impact these delicate balances.

Winter Theme Field Journal

Encourage your child to keep a winter theme field journal. Document observations from nature walks, drawings of winter scenes, and reflections on winter-related activities. Write stories based on these winter writing prompts or use our quick winter drawing prompts printable as a daily journal idea. This journal becomes a personal keepsake and a valuable tool for reinforcing writing skills.

Winter Writing Prompts: These all combine a bit of STEAM as well!

Snowy Adventure: Imagine you wake up one morning, and your backyard has transformed into a magical winter wonderland overnight. Write a story about the exciting adventures you have in this snowy landscape. What mysterious creatures or magical surprises await you?

Winter Wildlife Tale: Choose a winter animal, such as a bear, owl, or penguin, and create a story from their perspective. Describe their winter activities, challenges they face, and the joys of the season. How do they adapt to the cold, and what special winter skills do they possess?

Snowman’s Diary: Pretend you are a snowman brought to life for one day. Write a diary entry about your experiences, from the moment you come to life in the morning to your interactions with the people and animals around you. What lessons do you learn about winter and friendship?

Winter Inventions: If you could invent a new winter gadget or tool, what would it be, and how would it work? Write a persuasive essay explaining the benefits of your invention and how it could make winter activities more enjoyable or efficient.

Winter Poem: Craft a poem that captures the essence of winter. Use vivid imagery to describe the sights, sounds, and feelings of the season. Consider incorporating elements like snowflakes, icicles, or the crisp winter air. Experiment with rhyme and rhythm to make your poem come alive. Try a Haiku or an Acrostic style poem!

Grab these free Winter Drawing Prompts to add to your field journal activities!

Winter homeschooling for elementary-age kids opens a world of possibilities for exploration and learning. By embracing the season’s unique characteristics, you not only foster academic growth but also create lasting memories. So, bundle up, grab a thermos of hot cocoa, and embark on an educational journey through the enchanting winter wonderland!

More Winter Activities for Kids

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