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Learning Together Joyfully: January – Beginnings and Endings

Happy New Year to educators, parents and grandparents! January symbolizes endings, beginnings, and transitions. The god Janus is depicted with two heads: one head looking at the past and the other at the future. January is a perfect month to try new activities, to let go of the old, and begin afresh. With this in mind, parents and educators may be asking children to reflect on the past year and set new goals for the term and the new year. It is the perfect time to introduce the idea of how to develop a positive mindset. During these chilly January days, bring some lightness and joy to children: encourage them to take up a new hobby, visit your local library to sign up for a library card, play outdoors in the winter rain or snow, celebrate and so something special during some of the unique January holidays all in an effort to lighten the grey days! You will find some fun activities to celebrate Chinese New Year, Winnie-the-Pooh Day, or Robbie Burns Day. As you make changes, you may wish to review and, as needed, revise your existing regular family routines around bedtime, mealtime, and screen time, as research confirms the importance of structure and stability for children. Regular routines in the classroom also contribute to a child’s sense of well-being and productivity. Who knows, as you start off the year, January could become your most enjoyable month, filled with fun-filled activities that improve everyone’s mood and attitude, as you play, learn, and grow together with your children!

January is a great time to share winter poems with your children. Poetry is a wonderful way for all of us to embrace feelings, increase vocabulary, and hear the rhythm of the language. January provides an opportunity for children to be introduced to stories about diversity and how others in our class and community celebrate New Year’s. It also provides a great opportunity to reflect on the many aspects of the winter season, such as: snowflakes; animal hibernation, migration and adaptation; and goal-setting for the new year. Consider purchasing or borrowing the following books from your school or local Library.  

1.  Read and Sing together 📚 

CHINESE NEW YEAR – FEBRUARY 1, 2022 – YEAR OF THE TIGER

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is China’s most important festival as people celebrate the coldest days of winter coming to an end. It is a time to highlight the beginning of a new year and to honor gods as well as ancestors. It is also a time to feast and to visit family members.  Regional customs and traditions vary widely but share the same theme – ushering out the old year and bringing forth the luck and prosperity of the new one.

  • Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin. This bright story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. A perfect introduction to this holiday for young readers. 

  • Maisy’s Chinese New Year by Lucy Cousins. Tomorrow is Chinese New Year, and Maisy’s friend Tiger is coming home for the occasion. Tiger has brought some beautiful gifts, some with a special symbol that means good luck. Maisy has asked all her friends to her house to celebrate with a delicious feast, and Penguin and Ostrich are handing out lucky red packets with money inside. But the best is to come on New Year’s Day, when Maisy and all her friends take part in a dragon dance! Vivid with red and gold, this book features a simple visual glossary of common Chinese New Year’s objects.
  • The Runaway Wok; A Chinese New Year Tale by Ying Chang Compestine. When a boy goes to the market to buy food and comes home with an old wok instead, his parents wonder what they’ll eat for dinner but then the wok rolls out of the poor family’s house with a skippity-hoppity-ho! and returns from the rich man’s home with a feast in tow! With spirited text and lively illustrations, this story reminds readers about the importance of generosity. 

NEW YEAR’S AROUND THE WORLD

  • Shante Keys and the New Years Peas by Gail Piernas Davenport. In her quest to find some black-eyed peas, Shante discovers the different ways that her neighbors celebrate the New Year. A story of diversity and traditions that children will enjoy.

Our 12 favorite new year's books are perfect for your January lesson plans or at home with your children. These are great for preschool, kindergarten, or first grade students.

  • Happy New Year Everywhere! By Alice Erlbach. Elementary children will enjoy learning about New Year’s customs in twenty different countries – a great way to learn about different cultures and how celebrate.

  • Freedom Soup by Tami Charles presents the Haitian traditions and cuisine for celebrating New Year’s. The special soup for New Year’s also aligns with the historical account of the Haitian revolution, which is why it’s called ‘freedom’ soup. There are songs along with illustrations throughout the book. This is a great way to expose children to different cultural traditions for the new year.
  • Every Month is a New Year by Marilyn Singer is an engaging collection of original poems that shows that not all “New Year’s” celebrations happen in January as children learn how different people celebrate New Year’s. This lively poetry collection highlights sixteen well-known and less familiar festivities. Every month of the year, somewhere in the world people celebrate with joy and good wishes for a happy new year.

  • Hooray! Hooray! Nowruz Is Here! by Mojgan Roohani. Do you know that Nowruz or Naw Ruz means New Year? Long long ago in Persia they celebrated springtime as the New Year. Today, in March, on the first day of spring, Nowruz is celebrated by many cultures and countries around the world, in their own different ways often remembering some of the old Persian customs. (Bilingual edition available – English and Farsi).

WINTER BOOKS

Embrace the cold and snow or rain as a learning opportunity with these simple facts about Winter. During circle time in the classroom, or at home, encourage children to share observations about the weather and brainstorm a list of Winter Facts.  At a young age, kids recognize changes in weather patterns over time, and distinguish the different seasons. You can extend their curiosity with fiction and non-fiction books, poetry, songs, outdoor exploration, and writing activities during this cold, snowy, and rainy season. 

  • Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. This Caldecott winner is a non-fiction introduction to Wilson Bentley who loved snowflakes from his very earliest years and spent decades figuring out how to photograph them discovering that no two snowflakes are exactly alike and they are startlingly beautiful. His story is gracefully told and brought to life in lovely woodcuts, giving children insight into a soul who had not only a scientist’s vision and perseverance but a clear passion for the wonders of nature.

  • Winter is here by Kevin Henkes. This picture book about winter celebrates the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Snow falls, animals burrow, and children prepare for the wonders winter brings. The striking text introduces basic concepts of language and the unique beauty of the winter season.

 

  • Here comes Jack Frost by Kazuno Kohara. A little boy is desperate for someone to play with as all the animals head off to hibernate and the birds fly south for the winter. Winter seems like a complete drag until Jack Frost appears and not only helps him discover how wonderful winter can be, but also brings the friendship he’s been longing for. 
  • Animals in the winter by Henrietta Bancroft. Read and find out about how animals, in their natural habitats, cope with winter in this colourfully illustrated nonfiction picture book. This is a clear and appealing book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. Introduce kids to basic science ideas as part of discussions about the seasons and animals.

  • Sneezy the Snowman by Maureen Wright. B-R-R-R-R! AH-CHOO! Sneezy the Snowman is cold, cold, cold. To warm up, he drinks cocoa, sits in a hot tub, stands near a warm fire—and melts! But the children know just what to do to build him up again—and make him feel “just right.” Hilarity chills the air with playful mixed-media illustrations by Stephen Gilpin as Sneezy attempts to warm himself with some silly results.

  • Snowmen at night by Caralyn Beuhner. Have you ever built a snowman and discovered the next day that his grin has gotten a little crooked, or his tree-branch arms have moved? And you’ve wondered . . . what do snowmen do at night? This delightful wintertime tale reveals all! This witty, imaginative verse offers many amusing details about the secret life of snowmen and where they go at night.
  • Good Morning, Snowplow by Deborah Bruss. As the rest of the town settles into bed, one man, his dog, and a trusty truck and snowplow get ready for a night’s work. Follow them through slick roads and swirling drifts in this charming rhyming book.  
  • In the Snow by Huy Voun Lee. Xio Ming and his mother head out into the snow together. Xio Ming has been learning Chinese characters, and he is excited to use a stick to practice writing them in the snow. This is a lovely story that introduces readers to many Chinese characters, and it also includes Chinese pronunciation. “The textured paper, vibrant winter clothing, animals in their fur and feathers, and snowflake-decorated colored borders create a lively atmosphere for this memorable lesson in Chinese writing.” —Booklist

GOAL-SETTING: A Growth Mindset

While you are celebrating a new year with your children, the following books may assist children set New Year’s Resolutions or goals and most importantly, develop a growth mindset for the upcoming year. A growth mindset is the belief that a person’s basic abilities can be improved through hard work and determination. Adopting a growth mindset allows adults and children to enjoy learning, persevere and be more resilient as mistakes are reframed and viewed as learning opportunities.  Download ABC’s of making mistakes with a Growth Mindset poster.

  • I Need a New Butt by Dawn McMillan is about a boy who thinks his butt is broken and he wants to find a new one. It’s a humorous book that can be connected to goal-setting because it shows a child spending so much time trying to change something that doesn’t need to be changed. If you have students who struggle to set realistic, worthwhile goals, this book may help them. DISCLAIMER: The illustrations inside show a few pages with different booties. Your kids will have full-blown laughing fits!  
  • Whistle for Willie by Ezra Jack Keats works great for New Year’s goal-setting because of its theme of perseverance. Willie doesn’t give up on his goal of learning to whistle, which offers a great message to children about not giving up.
  • After the Fall; How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again by Dan Santat. This book is perfect for setting goals for the new year with its growth-mindset theme. Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after? Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat’s poignant tale follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favourite place to be is high up on the city wall, that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear? This book helps children see that no matter how things start–no matter how bad you fall–you can get back up again. 
  • Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution by Pat Miller shows kids what it really means to make a resolution. Squirrel knows that New Year’s Day is a great day for making resolutions! But what does it mean to make a resolution, anyway? As she makes visits around the forest she learns about New Year’s resolutions and helps her friends get started on theirs. If only she can think of a resolution of her own…Squirrel gets help from her friend Bear to learn what resolutions are and how to help her friends set their resolutions too. 

ABORIGINAL TITLES:

  • SkySisters by Jan Bourdeau Waboose. Two Ojibway sisters set off across the frozen north country to see the “Sky Spirits” midnight dance. It isn’t easy for the younger sister to be silent, but gradually she begins to treasure the stillness and the wonderful experiences it brings. After an exhilarating walk and patient waiting, the girls are rewarded by the arrival of the “SkySpirits” – the northern lights – dancing and shimmering in the night sky. This powerful story, with its stunning illustrations, captures the chill of a northern night, the warmth of the family circle and the radiance of a child’s wonder.
  •  Mouse Celebrates the Winter Solstice by Terri Mack. It is winter. The land lies still, quiet and stark beneath a blanket of snow. The tiny footprints of a mouse can be seen in the light of the moon. “Wrapped in the quiet, and there in the bleak, there stood a wise mouse, preparing to speak.” The words that mouse chose were from many years past. She spoke to them in the cold night air. So begins the enchanting story of a very special Winter Solstice celebration. The lyrical text and engaging illustrations will appeal to readers of all ages.
  • Winter Lullaby by Dianne White. Geese are calling, a chilly wind is blowing, and the sky is turning gray. Winter is on its way. For Mama Bear and Small Bear, that means it’s time to tuck into their den for a long sleep. But Mouse is scurrying by, and Chipmunk is still gathering nuts beside the lake. And look at Hare and Skunk, still romping through the leaves! Why can’t Small Bear stay up, too? To each question, Mama Bear responds with the coziest of answers, finally painting a dreamy picture of the brightening colors and new adventures that will greet Small Bear in the spring. But first comes sleep, in this irresistible invitation to drowsy little cubs everywhere.

READ ALOUDS: Can’t find the books at the library? Enjoy reading these together.

SING TOGETHER:

WINTER SOLSTICE

Remind children that the winter solstice is the moment in time that one of Earth’s poles is at its maximum tilt. Thus, when the winter solstice occurs, the sun travels its shortest path through the sky resulting in cooler temperatures. At the same time, the southern hemisphere is tilted towards the sun and experiences warmer temperatures. The following include some outdoor activities (making a winter solstice tree) and some indoor activities to brighten up your children’s winter. 

2. Create together: Puzzles, Crafts, Drawing and Constructing 🧩 

Now that the holiday season is over, your children may be looking to start new activities during their free time that bring them pleasure. Hobbies are skill-building activities that can relax and inspire children, enhance their thinking skills and help them to become confident, self-reliant, and independent. A hobby can encourage qualities like collaboration, compassion, and patience. Children tend to imitate their parents so generate their interest by setting a personal example. Doing something that is fun and creative takes them away from sitting passively in front of a screen. Chances are that you know your child’s strengths and interests and can guide them into a hobby they will enjoy. If you’re hoping to give your kid a gentle push in the right direction, consider some of the following ideas. 

3. Explore, Engage and Interact together 🌍

  • Science-related Hobbies:
    • Learn How to Make Recycled Paper  with your children teaching them how to make a contribution towards the environment. Paper is an ancient and essential part of our lives, and this project can be used as a doorway into art exploration, as well as a look at the history of how paper was made and used. 
    • Check out even more Science investigations.
  • Nature-related Hobbies: 
    • With the shorter days of winter, have your child learn about shadows.
    • Children can observe their natural surroundings as they take a walk to find natural materials such as rocks, sticks and leaves to create their piece of art to create  Art from Nature. Have them take a picture with their brain or a camera as this art is meant to be washed away by the weather.  
  • Performance-based Hobbies: (e.g. Dance, Singing, Sports, or Magic!)
    • Magic is great fun and confidence-boosting for children – they can put on a magic show for friends and family. 
    • Watch a video on how to do 5 simple tricks using household items
    • Consider borrowing or purchasing the book Abracadabra! Fun Magic Tricks for Kids . There are 30 tricks to make and perform (includes video links) by Kristen Kelly, that will even stump grown ups.  It is a perfect way to learn and put on your own show.

Choose to turn your routines into daily habits to create your day exactly how you want it to be. Use the power of rhythm and routine to make positive habits a way of life! Both children and adults thrive when consistent household routines and rhythms are followed. Establishing a daily routine and weekly rhythm at school makes for a calm and productive setting. It is also an important way for children to understand the flow of time in preparation for learning how to tell time. The following activities focus on healthy nutrition, physical activity and finding fun play-based activities to celebrate throughout the month of January. 

4. Healthy Living: 👭 Food and Movement to celebrate January

5. Reflect on: Growth Mindset, Hobbies and Rhythms 💭

More Pooh quotes? Click here.

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