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February is here, bringing with it so many opportunities to learn, create, and explore together! This month, we’ve planned fun, hands-on activities that will spark curiosity and joy in your preschooler. From celebrating Groundhog Day with shadows and crafts to discovering the power of kindness and science, each week is packed with simple yet meaningful ways to nurture your child’s skills. Let’s dive into a February full of discovery and connection!
Week 1: Shadows and Light
Welcome to our first week of February! This week, we will explore shadows and light, develop creativity through crafts, and have fun storytelling. These activities will help children learn about observation, fine motor skills, and imagination.
February 2nd: Groundhog Day
Activity: Shadow Puppets – Create simple shadow puppets using paper cut-outs on sticks. Use a flashlight to cast shadows on the wall and make up stories together.
Activity: Exploring Shadows – Set up an experiment where toddlers place objects in front of a light source to see the shadows they create. Discuss shadows and light.
Activity: Groundhog Craft – Make groundhog puppets using paper bags or construction paper and talk about the tradition of Groundhog Day.
Activity: Nature Walk – Look for shadows outdoors and observe how they change with the sun’s position.
February 4th: Thank a Mail Carrier Day
Activity: Write a Thank-You Note – Inspired by Good-bye Curtis by Kevin Henkes, write or draw a note to your mail carrier.
February 7th: National Send a Card to a Friend Day
Activity: Card Crafting – Set up a crafting station with crayons, markers, stickers, and paper. Encourage toddlers to make handmade cards for friends or family members.
Read Aloud: This Is The Way We Make Friends | Watch here.
Sing Along: Join in with I Have A Friend by Finny The Shark. Watch here.
Week 2: Celebrating Women and Girls in Science
This week, we’ll celebrate women and girls in science by exploring experiments, dressing up as scientists, and learning through fun, age-appropriate activities. Activities will encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and a love of discovery.
February 11th: International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Activity: Inspiring Women in Science – Share a simple story or picture book about a female scientist (like Marie Curie or Jane Goodall) in an engaging and age-appropriate way. Use dolls or puppets to tell the story and inspire curiosity about science.
Read Aloud: The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca. This book will introduce young children to the idea that everyone’s brain works differently and that can be a strength.Watch here: The Girl Who Thought in Pictures Video
February 14th: Valentine’s Day
Activity: Heart-Themed Crafts – Provide heart-shaped paper, glue, glitter, and stickers. Let the children decorate their own Valentine’s cards or create a collaborative heart-shaped wall display.
Read Aloud: Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. This sweet story about love and affection is a perfect tie-in for Valentine’s Day.Watch here: Guess How Much I Love You Video
February 17th: Random Acts of Kindness Day
Activity: Kindness Brainstorm – Sit with the children and brainstorm simple ways they can be kind to others, like sharing, helping, or saying kind words. Create a kindness chart and celebrate each act of kindness throughout the week.
Read Aloud: Finding Kindness by Deborah Underwood. This story shows how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Week 3: Celebrating Languages
This week, we’re celebrating the beauty of languages! Through songs, stories, and discussions, children will explore the importance of their mother tongues and learn simple greetings in different languages. These activities will also support language development and literacy skills.
February 21st: International Mother Language Day
Activity: Language Introduction – Introduce simple greetings or songs in different languages. Discuss the importance of celebrating the languages spoken at home.
Read Aloud: How to Make Un Ami: The Story of Elliott & Élodie
Story Book Craft: Create a simple "My Language Book"Â where children can draw pictures of their family or their favorite things and label them with words in their mother tongue and in english. Parents can help by writing the words for the children in their language and then encouraging the child to practice saying the words aloud.
Language Flashcards: Make flashcards with simple, everyday words (like "apple," "dog," "car," etc.) in multiple languages. Show the picture first, then say the word in the home language, followed by English. This can help children connect visual images with the new words they’re learning.
Sing a Song in a Different Language: Choose a familiar song (like "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star") and sing it in a different language. Teach the children a few lines, and if possible, share the words in both their mother tongue and English. Songs are a fun way to practice language and memory.
Week 4: Winter Wonders and Nature
As February comes to a close, we’ll dive into the wonders of winter and nature. Activities will help children connect with the season, explore the environment, and express their creativity through natural elements.
Activity: Winter Wonders – Read a book about the beauty of winter, such as The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats.
Activity: Nature Exploration – Take a nature walk or have an indoor exploration with nature-inspired activities like sorting leaves or feeling different textures (snow, ice, fur).
Read Aloud: The Mitten by Jan Brett. Watch here
Activity: Nature Crafts – Create simple crafts with materials like pinecones, sticks, or cotton balls to represent aspects of winter or the natural world.
Activity: Winter Sensory Play – Engage children in sensory activities using snow (real or fake), ice, or water to explore textures and temperature. https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/winter-science-ideas-kids/