As the start of the calendar year, January is a good time to introduce the concepts of days, weeks and months. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, preschoolers are just beginning to understand that time is sequential. Help youngsters grasp this concept by incorporating the calendar theme into preschool math sequencing activities. Focus language lessons on time concepts as well as dates such as yesterday, today and tomorrow.
January is the birth month for a number of historic U.S. figures, including Betsy Ross, Paul Revere, Benjamin Franklin, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Presidential inaugurations are also held every four years in January. Take inspiration from these significant dates for a patriotic theme that introduces them to the concepts of states, capitals, the country and the president. Create crafts centered on the flag, the U.S.A. letters, the star shape, and the patriotic colors red, white and blue.
Aside from being the national month for oatmeal, soup and prune breakfasts, the month of January contains a number of observance days focused on food. Celebrate these silly holidays, such as Bean Day, Apricot Day and Milk Day, with a theme centered on food. Focus on healthy eating habits with crafts and activities that demonstrate the importance of fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods.