Let’s be honest. We know winter can get a bit long. Poor weather, dark days, boring routines. All true, BUT, if you look at the bright side…it’s a great time for learning! Holiday breaks are done and we’ve got a nice stretch of time to really focus on the letters of the alphabet, rhyming words, word sorts, spelling words, math and literacy centers and MORE! The Free 3-Part Cards for Winter Word Work are a fun word work activity for small groups, whole class, or however you want to implement! Use the cards a number of different ways for working with words with your littles. They don’t have to be readers to use this free winter activity. Don’t forget the hot chocolate when the hard work is done!
Recommended Grade Level:
Winter Word Cards Supplies:
- Printer/Ink
- Laminating Supplies
- Paper Cutter
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Literacy Activities for Preschoolers
WINTER LITERACY ACTIVITIES
LITERACY ACTIVITIES FOR PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN ARE BEST WHEN THEY ARE HANDS-ON, INTERESTING, AND FUN! USING A WINTER THEME HELPS INSPIRE KIDS TO LEARN.
There is SO MUCH contained within early literacy! Letter recognition, sight words, word families, spelling patterns, and MORE. Preschool literacy is the tip of the iceberg and then students continue on with kindergarten literacy activities that are more complex.
So whether your kiddos are ready for letter sounds and patterns, or are still working on the basics, this winter matching game can work for you!
For younger students, it’s really about matching the pictures with the provided word. So they are analyzing the letters in the words and finding the match.
For students working on literacy activities in kindergarten, it might be more about finding words that begin with the same sounds, or decoding basic CVC syllables. Make it work for the learners you are teaching.
In addition to promoting literacy and fine motor skills (grasping and moving the cards), you can pull in that winter theme with engaging questions:
- Why are coats and earmuffs worn in winter?
- Have you ever had to shovel snow? When? Did you like it?
- What make sled zoom down the hill?
- What is your favorite season? Why?
What Can Kids Learn From Winter Literacy Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten?
WINTER MATCHING GAME
A WINTER THEME SPICES UP A SLOW TIME OF YEAR FOR MANY. THIS MATCHING ACTIVITY TEACHES VALUABLE SKILLS ABOUT WORDS, LETTERS, AND SOUNDS.
This versatile word matching activity can promote a variety of important literacy skills, depending on the level of your students and the learning goals you set for them:
- Winter vocabulary
- Letter recognition
- Sound recognition
- Spelling patterns
- Visual discrimination
Why Is It Important For Kids To Develop Literacy Skills?
Early literacy is important because it forms the foundation to grow into readers. Sharing books, playing with magnetic letters, writing words, and learning to visually discriminate are important precursors to reading.
Background Knowledge
A winter theme is a great way to build background knowledge on seasons and life in general. Our young learners haven’t been around for many winters, so it’s helpful to really talk about it, learn new vocabulary and celebrate the season.
Visual Discrimination
Matching activities and early letter experiences teach kids to use their eyes to focus on details, whether its letters, words or pictures. That is a key skill for later when they begin decoding small words.
Alphabetic Principle
Early experiences with words and letters help kids understand the alphabetic principle: the idea that our language is a code where each letter/group of letters stands for a particular sound.
Make Connections
Making connections is an important thing we do in our brains. When kids compare and contrast winter with other seasons, or realize the difference between letters and numbers, it supports healthy pathways in the brain.
Tools you’ll need
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Don’t worry about making a special trip to the store. You can get all the supplies for this activity right here. Click the pictures above to get what you need.
How to Make the 3-Part Cards for Winter Word Work
To Prep:
Print two copies on regular printer paper. On the first set, cut around the entire picture and word. On the second set, cut the line in between the word and the card. Laminate if desired for durability.
To Use:
Then have your child match the separate pictures and the words to the whole cards.
There are lots of ways to do it! You can start with pictures, put them in a “draw” pile and match them one at a time. Or, lay them face up and let your child choose a picture or word to match.
Our Favorite Winter Books:
We can’t live without these!
Once your child’s creativity is sparked with this fun activity, take it a step further with these engaging resources:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on affiliate links.
Little Critter: Just a Snowman: A Winter and Holiday Book for KidsThe Mitten
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter
The Snowy Day Board Book
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Winter (The World of Eric Carle)
The Biggest Snowman Ever
Pete the Cat: Snow Daze: A Winter and Holiday Book for Kids (My First I Can Read)
There Was a Cold Lady Who Swallowed Some Snow!
Sneezy the Snowman
Winter Wonderland (National Geographic Kids)
Winter Is Here
ABC Order
Put the cards in order alphabetically. You can choose a simple level by only providing one card that starts with ‘s’ or you can make it more difficult by including all of the ‘s’.
Read the Room
Display the cards throughout the room and have children find the cards and copy the words.
Memory Match
Print two copies on the white side of scrapbook paper. Use either the word cards or the picture cards as you would for a regular matching game.
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