I can hardly believe it’s already December! This month always arrives in the blink of an eye, but I’m thrilled to share that I came prepared this year with a lineup of fun, themed activities. My December plans are packed with engaging and differentiated tasks for the short time in classrooms, homes, and daycare visits. From December bingo and Sugar Cone Tree Treats to winter-themed books, there’s plenty of joy to go around. Keep reading for some winter-themed inspiration!

December Bingo & Holiday Sorting Games

December Bingo: This festive game has been a hit with both readers and nonreaders, thanks to its picture-based cards. We used pretzels as game pieces, which added an extra layer of fun and engagement. This activity ensures every child can participate and succeed, regardless of reading level. You can find the December bingo here. Holiday Cookie and Present Sorting: Sarah created a fantastic FREE big/little sorting activity featuring vibrant and whimsical images. I opted for the cookie sort in my lessons. First, I modeled the concepts of “big” and “little,” then let the kids take turns pulling cookies from the pile and sorting them. For more active learners, you can: -Use a hula hoop to create sorting spaces on the floor -Add visual boundaries on a table using Washi tape to help children physically see the sorting areas. This activity supports foundational sorting skills and offers plenty of movement opportunities for younger children or sensory seekers!

Sugar Cone Tree Treats

Visual recipes are always a win in my book—they spark engagement and encourage language development. These Sugar Cone Tree Treats were no exception! Even the littlest hands could participate, and the results were adorable (and delicious!). Tips for Success: -Be fully prepared with all materials (but avoid overwhelming kids by spreading them all out at once). -Have language boards or devices ready to support communication. -Model each step before the kids try it themselves—don’t assume they know how hard to press the cone or how to sprinkle gently!

Tip: Add a small dab of icing on their fingers as they explore the ingredients. It keeps the process playful and helps them stay engaged. We even added sprinkles as “ornaments” for our trees. Expect some mess but lean into the fun—it’s worth it! You can find this visual recipe here!

Easy Matching Weekly Workbooks—Winter Edition

These Weekly Workbooks are my go-to for introducing matching activities to young learners or children who are new to task completion. Here’s why they’re a must-have:

• They include errorless activities, which allow children to complete tasks successfully and build confidence.
• The books are designed to help students develop skills like task initiation, fine motor abilities, and independent work habits.
• The mix of holiday and winter-themed content keeps kids engaged while targeting foundational skills.

How I Use Them:

• Start with errorless pages to build momentum and a sense of achievement.
• For brand-new skills, hold up one piece at a time, label it, and model placement on the page.
• Gradually introduce matching tasks as confidence grows.

Even if a child only completes one errorless page initially, that’s progress! Each workbook includes multiple activities, so learners can explore something new every day without getting bored. The realistic photos also make these workbooks suitable for older students who benefit from foundational skill-building. You can find these books here. Happy Holidays!