Winter is a magical time to engage students in creative and educational activities. With colder weather and shorter days, it’s the perfect season to bring some warmth and excitement into the classroom through fun arts and crafts. These Top 10 Winter Crafts for Elementary School Teachers are sure to inspire your students, enhance their learning, and keep them engaged during the chilly months.
Thank you to @2art.chambers for the image from her art lesson!
1. Snowflake Symmetry Craft
Teach students about symmetry and patterns with a classic snowflake craft using Roylco’s Snowflake Stencils. These stencils make it easy for students to create intricate snowflake designs while learning about shapes and symmetry.
Materials:
- Roylco’s Snowflake Stencils
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
Tip: Encourage students to decorate their snowflakes with different colors to make each design unique.
2. Winter Hat Collage
Help students express their creativity with a winter hat collage. This craft allows students to design their own hats using Roylco’s Double Color Mosaics while learning about patterns and textures.
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Roylco’s Double Color Mosaics
- Glue
- Cotton balls
- Markers
Educational Focus: Patterns, textures, and self-expression.
3. Penguin Puppets
Create adorable penguin puppets with your students. This craft promotes imaginative play and storytelling, which are essential components of early literacy development.
Materials:
- Paper bags
- Colored paper
- Glue sticks
- Googly eyes
- Markers
Extension Activity: Use the puppets for a winter-themed play or story time session.
4. Winter STEM Challenge: Building an Igloo
Combine arts and crafts with STEM by challenging students to build their own igloo using Roylco’s Straws & Connectors. This activity promotes problem-solving, teamwork, and engineering skills.
Materials:
- Roylco’s Straws & Connectors
Discussion Point: Talk about how igloos are constructed and their significance in different cultures.
5. Snowy Scene Diorama
Bring winter landscapes to life with a snowy scene diorama using Roylco’s “Set The Scene! Diorama Boxes.” This craft integrates art and science as students learn about winter habitats and wildlife.
Materials:
- Roylco’s Set The Scene! Diorama Boxes
- Cotton balls
- Animal figurines
- Construction paper
- Glue
Learning Objective: Understanding ecosystems and animal adaptation in winter.
6. Hot Cocoa Craft
Nothing says winter like a warm cup of cocoa! This fun craft involves creating a 3D hot cocoa cup using construction paper and other materials.
Materials:
- Construction paper
- Brown pom-poms (for marshmallows)
- Glue
- Markers
Creative Twist: Students can write a story about their favorite winter memory to go along with their craft.
7. Mitten Matching Game
Incorporate a hands-on learning element with a mitten matching game. This craft helps younger students practice pattern recognition, counting, and fine motor skills.
Materials:
- Felt pieces
- Scissors
- Velcro dots
- Markers
Interactive Idea: Use the mittens for a math or literacy center activity.
Thank you to @stelle_frittelle for sharing this photo!
8. Snowflake Stained Glass Paper Frame
Bring a burst of color to your classroom with this snowflake-themed stained glass craft. Students can use Roylco’s Snowflake Stained Glass Frames to create beautiful, translucent artwork that catches the light.
Materials:
- Roylco’s Snowflake Stained Glass Frames
- Tissue paper or colored cellophane
- Glue sticks
- Scissors
Art Focus: Encourage students to experiment with color combinations and layering techniques.
Thank you to @2art.chambers for sharing this photo!
9. Snowflake Rubbing Plates Craft
Students can create beautiful textured snowflake designs using Roylco’s Snowflake Rubbing Plates. This activity is perfect for enhancing fine motor skills and introducing students to the concept of texture in art.
Materials:
- Roylco’s Snowflake Rubbing Plates
- White or colored paper
- Crayons or colored pencils
- Scissors
- Glue
Art Focus: Encourage students to layer their designs and experiment with different color combinations.
Thank you to @2art.chambers for sharing this photo!
10. Winter Silhouette Scenes
Create stunning winter silhouette scenes using Roylco’s Color Diffusing Paper as a base. Students can design a snowy landscape and watch as the colors blend beautifully to create a winter wonderland effect.
Materials:
- Roylco’s Color Diffusing Paper
- Washable markers
- Spray bottle with water
- Black construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Creative Idea: Have students cut out silhouette shapes of trees, animals, or houses and place them on the colorful background to complete their scenes.
Why Winter Crafts are Essential in Elementary Classrooms
Winter crafts are more than just fun activities; they offer numerous educational benefits, including enhancing fine motor skills, promoting creativity, and integrating core subjects like math, science, and literacy. These crafts also provide an opportunity for students to express themselves and connect with seasonal themes.
At Roylco, we are dedicated to providing sustainable, high-quality educational supplies that make learning engaging and meaningful. Explore our range of craft materials, including Color Diffusing Paper, felt pieces, and STEM kits, to bring your winter craft ideas to life.
Happy crafting, and stay warm this winter!