Holiday Hands-On Learning for Early Learners
Christmas is a magical time with little children. Each moment is full of wonder for them, and their new language skills are a delight to the ear.
Sensory experiences like decorating cookies, fine motor skills developed through stringing jingle bells, and large motor work refined through making a snow angel all equal effortless learning that will help your child start the new year with a strong foundation.
Here are 10 fun Christmas activities to do with your preschoolers, inspired by our Christmas Guide Volume 1 and weekly Restoration Home Community lessons.
Literacy, History, and Heart
Read Aloud: St Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegemeyer
Dive into the history behind the legend! Reading St Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend allows you to discuss the origins of generosity and giving, focusing on the real St. Nicholas. This sets a wonderful tone for the season.
Missing Initial Sound Game
Boost pre-reading skills! Write holiday words (like "tree," "stocking," "elf") but leave off the first letter, using a blank line (e.g., "_oy" or "_ight"). Have your child identify the missing initial sound and write the letter to complete the word.
The Gift of Giving (Practical Life Skill)
Teach compassion through action. Involve your child in selecting and taking food to a food bank or new toys to a local shelter. This practical life skill instills the true spirit of Christmas.
Art History: St. Nicholas vs. Santa
Look at the painting The Charity of Saint Nicholas. Ask your child to describe what they see. How does the historic St. Nicholas differ from the modern Santa Claus? It's a wonderful discussion about traditions and generosity!
Motor Skills & Sensory Play
Santa's Beard Roll & Count
Practice number recognition and fine motor skills! Draw a large Santa's Beard with numbers (1 through 6) on it. Have your child roll a dice and place a mini marshmallow (or cotton ball) on the corresponding number until the "beard" is covered.
Jingle Bell Bracelet (Fine Motor)
Strengthen the pincer grasp and hand-eye coordination! Use elastic thread and large jingle bells. Have your child string the bells onto the thread to create a festive, musical bracelet to wear or give as a gift.
Down the Chimney Obstacle Course (Large Motor)
Get the wiggles out! Use couch cushions, pillows, or a large blanket to create a soft, low tunnel. Encourage your little one to pretend to slither down a chimney like Santa delivering presents.
"Snow" Sensory Bin
Fill a bin with cotton balls, shredded white paper, or uncooked rice. Add small scoops, pinecones, plastic reindeer, or mini wrapped boxes. Let your child scoop, pour, and hide objects for hours of imaginative sensory play.
Creative & Kitchen Fun
Salt Dough Ornaments
Mix flour, salt, and water to make a simple salt dough. Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a holiday scent. Have your child use Christmas cookie cutters to make shapes. After baking/drying, they can paint, glitter, and hang their homemade creations on the tree!
Cookie Decorating Station
An essential Christmas activity! Bake some plain sugar cookies. Set out different colors of icing, sprinkles, and tiny candies. Letting children freely decorate their own cookies is a fun, messy way to celebrate the season!
Enjoy daily Christmas school lessons with your preschool through early elementary students in our original Christmas Guide Volume 1.
Make This Christmas a Hands-On Learning Adventure
Christmas is the perfect time to combine holiday fun with learning. Activities like sensory play, fine motor crafts, and practical life lessons not only keep preschoolers engaged but also help them build early literacy, math, and motor skills in a natural, joyful way. Whether you’re looking for Christmas homeschool ideas, hands-on learning activities, or ways to bring the holiday spirit into your homeschool, these 10 festive ideas are sure to inspire your family. Bring the magic of Christmas into your home with meaningful, educational, and playful experiences your little ones will treasure.