Often when you think of December, the first (and sometimes only) theme that comes to mind is holidays or Christmas. However, there are many different types of preschool curriculum themes(opens in new tab) that you could explore at the end of the year. Check out these ideas for exploring as the colder months begin.
December Preschool Themes
CHRISTMAS
The holiday season is prevalent in December. Use the natural time of year to develop concepts with preschoolers. These ideas focus on Christmas(opens in new tab) in general. Check out the peppermint and gingerbread activities for more ideas that could relate to a Christmas theme.
Christmas Bingo(opens in new tab)
Christmas Books(opens in new tab)
Christmas Songs for Kids(opens in new tab)
Decorate Your Home Center for Christmas(opens in new tab)
Christmas Water Beads Sensory Bin(opens in new tab)
Llama Llama Holiday Drama Letter Sounds Activity(opens in new tab)
Christmas Tree Sensory Bin Printable(opens in new tab)
Gift Wrap Sensory Bin(opens in new tab)
Holiday Pattern Activities(opens in new tab)
Christmas Gift Wrap Center(opens in new tab)
Christmas Movement Activities(opens in new tab)
Easy Christmas Tree Ornaments(opens in new tab)
Angel Ornament(opens in new tab)
Easy Tree Ornaments(opens in new tab)
Ornaments Kids Can Make(opens in new tab)
Kid-Made Christmas Gifts(opens in new tab)
Cookies and Letters for Santa Printable Activity(opens in new tab)
Jingle Bell Sticks(opens in new tab)
Christmas Bow Counting(opens in new tab)
Christmas Cutting Activities(opens in new tab)
Christmas Tree Cones(opens in new tab)
Polar Express Activities(opens in new tab)
Dramatic Play Wrapping Station(opens in new tab)
Ultimate Pre-K Christmas Lesson Plans Bundle(opens in new tab)
Christmas Classroom Party Planning Guide(opens in new tab)
Christmas Cookies Alphabet Writing Mats(opens in new tab)
Santa Positional Words Activities(opens in new tab)
Christmas Theme Magnet Tiles Task Cards(opens in new tab)
GINGERBREAD
Gingerbread can be cooked, enjoyed, and explored as activities for preschoolers. You could connect this exploration to reading versions of the tale The Gingerbread Man(opens in new tab) or explore this bakery treat all on its own.
Gingerbread Sensory Bin(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Books for Kids(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Songs for Preschoolers(opens in new tab)
No Bake Cinnamon Ornaments(opens in new tab)
Make Gingerbread Houses(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Man Science Experiment(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Cloud Dough(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Man Counting Game(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Man Movement Game(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Jar Cakes(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Man Maps Writing Center(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Play Dough(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Man Visual Discrimination(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Man Activities(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Man Lesson Plan Bundle(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Man Positional Words Activities(opens in new tab)
Gingerbread Cafe Dramatic Play(opens in new tab)
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint is available in different shapes and forms. Exploring the scent and taste of peppermint as well as the red and white color will be fun for preschoolers. This theme can be holiday-related or not.
Candy Cane Slime(opens in new tab)
Salt Dough Ornaments(opens in new tab)
Five Senses Activities for Christmas(opens in new tab)
Candy Cane Fine Motor Activity(opens in new tab)
Candy Cane Playdough Activity(opens in new tab)
Candy Cane Letter Game(opens in new tab)
Peppermint Science Experiment(opens in new tab)
Curriculum Themes for December
WINTER
In the Northern Hemisphere, December is the beginning of winter(opens in new tab). Every area has changes in the winter, even if it is not snow and ice. Celebrate the changes that happen around your children. And expand their thinking with additional snowy activities for winter. (See the snowman activities below, too.)
Winter Songs for Preschoolers(opens in new tab)
Winter Books(opens in new tab)
Snowy Day Sensory Writing Tray(opens in new tab)
Winter Sensory Bin(opens in new tab)
Snow Play Dough(opens in new tab)
Over and Under the Snow Building Activity(opens in new tab)
Snowflakes Subitizing Activity(opens in new tab)
Activities for “A Snowy Day”(opens in new tab)
Make a Waterless Snow Globe(opens in new tab)
Winter Drawing Activity(opens in new tab)
Winter Science Activities(opens in new tab)
Snow Volcano(opens in new tab)
Snow Painting (opens in new tab)
Hot Chocolate Winter Play Ideas(opens in new tab)
The Snowy Nap: Winter Literacy Activity(opens in new tab)
Winter Glitter Snowflakes(opens in new tab)
Winter Bingo(opens in new tab)
Mitten Visual Discrimination(opens in new tab)
Dramatic Play Hot Cocoa Stand(opens in new tab)
Winter Classroom Celebration(opens in new tab)
Winter Lesson Plans Bundle(opens in new tab)
Winter Hot Chocolate Alphabet Writing Mats(opens in new tab)
Winter Magnet Tiles Task Cards(opens in new tab)
Winter Fine Motor Activities Bundle(opens in new tab)
Ice and Snow Science Unit(opens in new tab)
SNOWMEN
Snowmen are so popular that you could build a separate theme with just them. Or use these ideas to expand your winter theme for another week or so. And, even if you cannot build snowmen with your preschoolers, you can bring experiences that mimic that sensory play and expand your preschoolers’ experiences.
Snowman Sensory Squish Bag(opens in new tab)
Snowman Sensory Bottle(opens in new tab)
Snowman Play Dough(opens in new tab)
Snowman Sensory Bin(opens in new tab)
Snowmen at Night: Coffee Filter Art(opens in new tab)
Snowflakes Scissors Practice(opens in new tab)
Banana Snowman(opens in new tab)
Snowman Listening Game(opens in new tab)
Snowman Art: Painting with Circles(opens in new tab)
Ice and Snow Science Unit(opens in new tab)
More non-holiday ideas for December(opens in new tab)
Need more theme ideas? Check out our theme list.
Curriculum Themes(opens in new tab)
