Nursery Activities: Discover & Create!
Creative projects, sensory exploration, and play-based learning for toddlers.
CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES
❄️ SENSORY SNOW BIN
THEME CONNECTION
Winter exploration
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Practice English vocabulary related to winter and snow
- Engage in sensory play to enhance tactile development
- Develop fine motor skills through exploration and manipulation
- Express descriptive language using texture and temperature words
- Follow simple instructions independently
MATERIALS
- Cornstarch (2 cups)
- White hair conditioner (1/2 cup initially)
- Large plastic tub or sensory bin
- Mixing bowl and stirring stick
- Small plastic animals (farm animals work well)
- Optional: winter-themed small toys
METHOD
- Pour 2 cups of cornstarch into the mixing bowl
- Add 1/2 cup of white hair conditioner gradually
- Mix ingredients thoroughly until snow-like consistency is achieved (adjust by adding more cornstarch or conditioner as needed)
- Transfer the “snow” mixture to the large plastic tub
- Add plastic animals or winter toys to the bin
- Invite students to explore the sensory bin using hands and simple tools
LANGUAGE EXTENSION
Encourage use of descriptive vocabulary during exploration:
- Texture words: fluffy, soft, smooth, cold
- Action questions: “Can you make a snowball?” “Where is the animal hiding?”
- Descriptive prompts: “Does the snow feel soft or hard?” “Is it wet or dry?”
🎅 LET'S DRESS SANTA!
THEME CONNECTION
Winter clothing exploration | Christmas fun
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Develop fine motor skills through manipulating puzzle pieces
- Practice clothing vocabulary and sequencing
- Build hand-eye coordination with velcro placement
- Encourage independent problem-solving
- Learn body part names and clothing items
MATERIALS
- Large Santa body template (printed and laminated or drawn on poster board)
- Clothing piece cutouts: hat, jacket, pants, mittens, boots, socks (beard)
- Velcro dots (one side on Santa body, one side on back of each clothing piece)
- Display board or easel
METHOD
- Create a simple Santa body outline without clothes
- Cut out individual clothing pieces
- Laminate all pieces for durability
- Attach velcro dots to appropriate spots on Santa’s body
- Attach matching velcro dots to back of each clothing piece
- Present activity on easel or board at child height
- Invite children to dress Santa by matching pieces to body
LANGUAGE EXTENSION
- Clothing vocabulary: hat, jacket, pants, mittens, boots, socks
- Action questions: “What does Santa wear on his head?” “Where do the boots go?”
- Sequencing prompts: “What should we put on first?” “What comes after the pants?”
- Body part vocabulary: head, hands, feet, body
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