Winter writing crafts are a helpful way to keep elementary students learning when December classroom energy deserves its own weather warning.
By this point in the year, students are excited, routines are getting a little wobbly and teachers need activities that feel special without requiring an entirely separate lesson plan for every subject.
That is why I created these Winter Writing Crafts. They bring writing, creativity and Indigenous art together in one seasonal activity. Students can choose from three different crafts, respond to winter, Christmas or gratitude prompts and add their finished work to a cozy classroom display.
Why Combine Winter Writing and Art?
Seasonal crafts are always popular with students, but adding writing gives the activity a little more purpose. Students still get the fun of colouring, cutting and creating while also practising how to share an idea, memory or story.
These winter writing crafts can be used during your regular writing block, as a December writing centre or as a longer project during the final weeks before winter break. You can choose one craft for the whole class or let students select the design they like best.
Snow Globe Writing Craft
The snow globe activity works well for winter writing that is not connected to a specific holiday. Students can imagine a winter adventure, describe a favourite seasonal memory or reflect on something they are grateful for.
After completing their writing, students create a snow globe featuring Indigenous art. Each finished piece becomes part of the larger winter display while still showcasing the student’s individual ideas and creativity.
Christmas Stocking Writing Craft
For classrooms that celebrate Christmas, students can choose the stocking writing craft. The printable stocking features Indigenous art and can be paired with a Christmas or gratitude writing prompt.
Students might write about a favourite family tradition, a meaningful gift they could give someone or something they appreciate during the season. This gives you the flexibility to make the writing light and festive or a little more reflective.
Christmas Tree Writing Craft
The Christmas tree template is another option for seasonal writing and art. Students can write a winter story, respond to a Christmas prompt or reflect on the people and experiences that make this time of year meaningful to them.
Once completed, the trees can be displayed alongside the snow globes and stockings. Allowing students to choose between the three templates also creates a more varied and interesting classroom display.
Winter, Christmas and Gratitude Writing Prompts
Not every classroom approaches December in the same way, so the resource includes different types of prompts. You can focus on winter, use the Christmas options or choose gratitude writing that works throughout the season.
This also makes it easier to use the activities with different ages and writing abilities. Younger students can write a few sentences and add an illustration, while older students can develop a longer personal reflection or creative story.
Create a Winter Fireplace Bulletin Board
The completed crafts can be displayed around the included fireplace bulletin board beneath the title “Winter Stories We Carry.” Instead of decorating your board and then finding somewhere else to hang student work, the writing becomes the display.
It creates a warm classroom focal point while giving students a chance to see their stories and artwork celebrated. Best of all, your December writing lesson, art activity and bulletin board are all handled together.
Try These Winter Writing Crafts With Your Class
If you are looking for a seasonal activity that keeps students writing and creating, these Winter Writing Crafts are ready to use throughout December and the winter season.
The resource includes three printable craft templates, winter and Christmas writing prompts, gratitude prompts, Indigenous art and the complete fireplace bulletin board kit.
Explore the Winter Writing Crafts and Fireplace Bulletin Board here.
Looking for more seasonal learning? Explore my Winter Indigenous Bundle on TPT for even more Indigenous lessons, art projects and winter activities.