December 2026 Teaching Resource
Light, Winter, Giving, Family, and Reflection
Week 1: Light and Shadow
- Science: Explore light, shadow, reflection, and changes in brightness using safe classroom materials.
- Math: Compare lengths and shapes of shadows and sort objects by visible attributes.
- Art: Create shadow drawings or translucent color explorations.
- Language: Use words such as bright, dark, reflection, shadow, near, and far.
Week 2: Winter Weather and Nature
- Science: Observe cold weather, wind, rain, frost, clouds, and other local seasonal changes.
- Math: Count, classify, and compare winter clothing or classroom objects.
- Movement: Move like wind, falling snow, animals, or trees in different weather.
- Language: Encourage children to describe what they notice outdoors.
Week 3: Giving, Helping, and Caring
- Social Emotional: Explore kindness, helping, cooperation, and caring for classroom members.
- Dramatic Play: Create opportunities for children to practice caring roles and problem solving.
- Language: Invite children to share examples of helping and being helped.
- Art: Create collaborative cards, drawings, or classroom thank you displays without requiring any particular holiday theme.
Week 4: Family, Stories, and Looking Back
- Language: Invite children to retell favorite classroom experiences and stories from the year.
- Social Emotional: Talk about growth, friendships, accomplishments, and things children are proud of.
- Math: Sequence familiar classroom routines or compare then and now using simple examples.
- Art: Create a class memory collection or child-led artwork display.
Family Connection
Invite families to share a simple tradition, routine, story, song, meal, or winter experience that is meaningful to them, or simply talk together about something the child enjoyed learning this year.
Materials
Flashlights, safe light sources, translucent materials, mirrors, winter clothing, books, natural objects, paper, washable art materials, dramatic play props, and sensory materials appropriate for the children.
Teacher Observation
Notice children's curiosity, descriptive language, problem solving, peer relationships, creativity, memory, sequencing, and ability to communicate what they have learned.
Adaptation
Provide visual supports, sensory alternatives, adaptive materials, quiet options, and multiple ways for children to communicate. Respect family beliefs, traditions, and decisions about seasonal activities.