5 Learning Crafts for January
One thing I’ve always loved about homeschooling is having the flexibility to slow down and make room for creative projects. I’m sharing 5 learning crafts for January that worked well in our home. I’ve never been the super crafty mom, but if an activity also counts as a lesson, I’m all in.
Do you think these crafts are cool? Check out more activities on my list of fun winter activities for kids for more.
During this time of the season, I take a minute to find ways to paint, play, and create in every lesson I do with my kids. It’s hard to get outside, so keeping them entertained and busy is crucial. Especially when the mundane school routine starts back up for the new year.
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Trending Winter Craft Moms Are Loving Right Now
One craft I kept seeing in homeschool groups this January was simple winter-themed sensory art made with everyday supplies. It made sense because it fit perfectly with cold-weather days when we needed calm, hands-on learning without having to pull out a full science kit.
When my older kids were younger, we did a version of this. It kept them busy long enough for real conversations at the table, and it worked well across multiple grade levels without extra prep.
Recommended Snowman Books
Below are more books about snowmen I recommend.
The Biggest, Best SnowmanSnowmen at WorkThe Magic of Friendship SnowHenry and Mudge and the Snowman Plan: Ready-to-Read Level 2 (Henry & Mudge)When Snow Men Attack: Let the snow war begin… (The D-Twin Stories Book 3)Still Toasty (Toasty Adventures Book 2)
What Skills Will Kids Learn From These Activities?
These January crafts supported real learning while still feeling creative and relaxed. I liked that my kids practiced useful skills without sitting through another worksheet-heavy afternoon.
- Fine motor control: Cutting, pasting, and assembling helped strengthen hand coordination in a natural way.
- Creative thinking: Open-ended steps allowed kids to make choices instead of following rigid directions.
- Problem solving: Figuring out how pieces fit together encouraged patience and flexibility.
- Language development: Talking through ideas and finished projects built communication skills.
- Focus and follow-through: Completing a project from start to finish supported attention skills.
My Favorite Winter Printable Packs for Homeschool
When I need something open-and-go during the winter months, printable packs have always been my backup plan for keeping learning steady without extra stress.
Hands-On Winter Learning Crafts for Kids
Simple winter projects that helped our lessons stay productive while kids worked with their hands.
Author Studies
One of the sure-fire ways to get your kids excited about reading is to do an author study. I’ve completed many author studies with my kids, and January is a great time to do one.
If you have younger kids, Frederick by Leo Lionni is a great book to study. During this study, you can do many character-making crafts and art lessons. This is also a good book to read about animals gathering food for winter. Be sure to check out this post for other books, activities, and resources about Leo Lionni.
Sequencing Snowmen Books
January is a great month to read books about snow and snowmen. Finding books that include important skills such as sequencing is like finding gold to a homeschooling parent.
Books such as “The Biggest Best Snowman” can help kids design their own snowman books. After reviewing the steps for building a snowman, your child can either write or dictate step-by-step instructions to you. This easily turns into a craft when they begin adding illustrations to each page.
Snowmen Glyphs
Have you ever completed a glyph? These crafts are pure fun! Tie this activity into your snowman theme and add a little math practice along the way!
Snowflake Patterns
You can’t go through January without making snowflakes! Make your own snowflakes while learning about patterns and symmetry. Hang them up around your school room for an extra special touch!
Pack Your Suitcases
When learning about arctic animals, create a version of this construction paper suitcase to collect all of your facts as you go! Decorate it with all of the items you would take with you if you were to visit the Arctic!
More Winter Activities to Check Out
January always felt long in our homeschool, so having extra seasonal ideas saved us on slow afternoons. These activities worked well alongside crafts when I needed variety without overplanning.
- Snowman Books for Preschoolers
- Life Cycle of a Snowman Worksheet
- Snowman STEM Activities for Kindergarten
- 20 Adorable Arctic Animal Crafts by Simple Everyday Mom
- Winter Handprint Crafts by Homeschool Preschool
Have fun this winter as you learn and create with your kids! There are so many opportunities to get creative when it’s too cold to get outside!