Using empty and washed out plastic juice bottles, make a shaking bottle or snow globe with a winter scene inside. Cut out pictures that have a connection to winter, such as a Christmas tree, Santa Claus, a child in winter clothes, a snowman or a holly wreath. Have the children choose the pictures they want for their globe. Laminate the pictures so they do not get destroyed by the water inside the bottle. Glue the picture to the inside of the lid with hot glue. Use enough hot glue to ensure the picture does not float away or bend over while the water flows around it. Allow the children to fill the bottle with water and white glitter. Close the bottle, cover the lid with decorative tape so the child does not open it and shake it.
Older toddlers can create a winter collage. For preparation, cut pictures out of magazines, ensuring a majority of the pictures are of winter items such as snow, Christmas trees, presents, sweaters and snow boots. Dress the infants and toddlers warmly, and take them for a short walk outside. Point out colors, the way the snow feels and how other things are cold. After the walk, assist the older children in choosing pictures that they recognize from the walk outside. For example, they were wearing coats and boots and there was most likely snow on the ground, so they can put these images on the paper to create the collage. The collage portion is more appropriate for older infants and toddlers.
Both infants and toddlers can enjoy having books about winter read to them. Some winter books for infants and toddlers include "In the Snow" by Dawn Apperley, "The Winter Noisy Book" by Margaret W. Brown and "Frosty the Snowman" by Annie North Bedford. While reading the stories, act out the actions, such as sneezing in "The Winter Noisy Book" and rolling the snowballs in "Frosty the Snowman." Sing the "Frosty the Snowman" song to the infants and toddlers. The toddlers can make their own snowmen by gluing white construction paper dots on top of each other on a larger piece of paper. Let them use washable markers or crayons to draw their snowman's features.
Playing coordination and large motor skills games in the gym is a healthy winter activity. Toddlers can play along with a motion game such as "We Can Jump." In this game, the teacher calls out "We can jump, jump, jump," while jumping in place. For a special winter touch, add sliding on a sled or catching snowflakes with the child's head turned up and tongue out to the actions. The students will automatically follow along with each action if the teacher is leading with the action. Playing "Airplane" is also a game little children can play successfully while stretching their muscles and expelling energy. During the winter the teacher can call the game "Sled" instead of "Airplane." Have the children put their arms out straight to the sides and make whooshing noises as they run around the open space.