Winter is always a fun thematic unit for 3K! They enjoy making pretend snow by mixing conditioner and baking soda, playing in the real snow during recess, painting their feet to make cute penguins, using snowball “mushrooms” to form the letters of their names, and so many more fun activities. One of the favorites this year is the hot cocoa sensory bin. They learn all kinds of skills through exploration of sensory bins in general, and the hot cocoa bin is no different. Pre-writing muscles, hand/eye coordination, and body control are needed to pour brown rice into the cups and pinch tweezers to add pipe cleaner candy canes and cotton ball marshmallows. Imaginative play and social skills are used in taking orders for friends’ hot chocolate preferences, working together to share supplies, and waiting for their turn. They also work on academic concepts like 1:1 counting, cause and effect, color recognition, and the concept of big vs. little while making their hot chocolates. They are even so confident and independent that when they accidentally spill, they love using the dust pan to clean up the mess! We love learning through play in 3K!
Winter Fun in the Classroom
January 10, 2026