Winter can be a magical time in the upper elementary classroom, but it’s also a season where students can feel restless and distracted. Keeping them engaged and learning is key, and the right winter activity ideas can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking for collaborative projects, independent activities, or hands-on fun, these resources will help bring a burst of energy into your classroom this winter!
Here are five standout winter-themed resources that are sure to engage your students while making your life easier as a teacher.
Complete a Collaborative Coloring Poster
Looking for a way to foster teamwork while adding some winter cheer to your classroom? This collaborative coloring poster is the perfect choice! Students each work on their section of the poster, which comes together to create a beautiful winter-themed decoration.
Why It’s Perfect for Upper Elementary:
- Encourages teamwork and collaboration.
- A low-prep way to create a visually stunning classroom or door display.
- Provides a calming, creative outlet during busy winter days.
Use this during a morning meeting, as a station activity, or to wrap up a long day with some relaxing creativity.
Critical Thinking Activities
Need activities that engage students’ brains while keeping the classroom calm? This critical thinking packet is full of challenges and puzzles perfect for quiet time or early finishers. From logic puzzles to creative riddles, this packet helps students sharpen their problem-solving skills while having fun.
Why It’s Perfect for Upper Elementary:
- Designed to challenge and engage independent learners.
- Ideal for fast finishers, morning work, or even as homework.
- Keeps students focused during those antsy winter days.
Challenging Word Searches
This word search is difficult! With 50 winter-themed words, your students will grow their vocabulary while working on a challenge. It’s perfect for those times when you need to keep students engaged independently, whether during transitions, indoor recess, or early dismissal days. If your students aren’t ready for 50 words, a differentiated version includes 30 of the words. The best part, it’s perfectly priced at $1.75.
Why It’s Perfect for Upper Elementary:
- Reinforces vocabulary and critical thinking skills.
- Perfect for independent work or a quiet activity.
- Great for sub plans or take-home work during winter break.
Pair student up and make it a competion!
Escape With an Escape Room
If you want to bring excitement and collaboration into your upper elementary classroom, this winter escape room is a must-try! Students work in teams to solve clues and “escape” by completing winter-themed comprehension and review activities. The four challenges include dialogue sentence structure, homophone practice, cause and effect, and non-fiction text on avalanches.
Why It’s Perfect for Upper Elementary:
- Engages students with hands-on, interactive problem-solving.
- Builds teamwork and communication skills.
- Covers key standards in a fun and unique way.
- Can be used independently, in partners, or in small groups.
Use it as a culminating activity before winter break or as a special treat during a dreary winter week!
Move Around with a Scavenger Hunt
This resource combines educational fun with active engagement. Students can complete a winter scavenger hunt, practice synonyms, learn about winter facts, and reinforce division skills—all while enjoying a seasonal theme.
Why It’s Perfect for Upper Elementary:
- Combines movement, learning, and fun in one resource.
- Includes a mix of ELA and math activities.
- Can be movement based or a take to your seat activity.
- Versatile for use in stations, as independent practice, or for small groups.
Tips for Using These Winter Activity Ideas in Your Classroom
- Set Up Stations or Centers: Rotate students through these activities in stations to keep the energy high and learning dynamic.
- Create Independent Work Packets: Combine resources like the Winter Word Search Packet and the Critical Thinking Packet into a grab-and-go packet for early finishers or homework.
- Incorporate Collaboration: Resources like the Winter Collaborative Poster and Escape Room encourage teamwork, helping students practice communication and problem-solving skills.
- Pair with Seasonal Fun: Add hot chocolate, snowy read-alouds, or a cozy classroom vibe to make these activities even more engaging!
Beat the Blues With Creative & New Winter Activity Ideas
Winter doesn’t have to mean sluggish days in your upper elementary classroom. With these winter activity ideas, you add fun and engagement while reinforcing key skills. Whether your students are solving escape room clues, coloring a collaborative poster, or tackling a critical thinking challenge, they’ll be learning, laughing, and making lasting winter memories.
Ready to bring some winter magic into your classroom? Check out the bundle of Winter Activities here.
