This month, your preschooler will explore independence, curiosity, and creativity through simple winter-themed activities.
You’ll focus on creating opportunities for your child to play and discover on their own — with you observing and supporting from the background. Giving children room to lead their own play is a cornerstone of what NAEYC calls the power of playful learning, and it builds focus, confidence, and creativity that carry far beyond the holidays.
New here? This month’s plan is one piece of our homeschool preschool curriculum guide, which shows how each month’s themes fit into a full year of learning at home.
📥 Download the Printable December Curriculum
Make play easy this holiday season! Get your free guide with 10 simple activities, a weekly rhythm, and links to all the videos.
✨ Use it on your phone, tablet, or computer to access all clickable activities — or print it as a planning tool to stay organized and calm through the busy season.
🎓 Parent Masterclass: How to Teach Independent Play to Toddlers
Start your days with calm and intention.
In this month’s masterclass, you’ll learn how to teach your child to play independently using simple busy bins and open-ended setups. Independent play isn’t about keeping your toddler busy—it’s about helping them develop focus, creativity, and confidence.
Reflection:
After watching, look around your home and choose one small space to dedicate to your child’s independent play. Try creating a simple busy bin using everyday materials—remember, the goal isn’t perfection, it’s consistency.
🎵 Circle Time with Alexa
Celebrate the holidays through music and movement! Sing along, explore rhythms, and enjoy connection-filled moments that make learning joyful.
🎵 Story Time: Angus Lost by Marjorie Flack
A curious dog named Angus goes exploring and finds himself lost — and then found again!
Angus the curious dog sets off on his own adventure — a perfect story to explore the beauty of independence, discovery, and returning home.
After reading, ask:
- “How do we explore and play on our own at home?”
- “Where did Angus go on his adventure?”
✋ 10 Easy Activities to Explore This Month
These activities were designed to support your toddler’s growth in a simple, seasonal way. No pressure to do them all — pick the ones that bring the most joy to your week.
✨ Our Simple Play Weekly Flow
A gentle rhythm that helps you make the most of the 10 monthly activities — no strict schedule, just a simple guide to keep play easy and consistent.
➡️ Monday: Sensory Play + Outdoor Walk
➡️ Wednesday: Art or Science Exploration + Storytime
➡️ Friday: Repeat a favorite or try a bonus activity
💡 Use this rhythm to bring calm, connection, and creativity into your week — not pressure. Repeating activities is encouraged! Toddlers learn best that way.
🗓️ December Weekly Activity Breakdown
💻 Click any activity below to access the instructional video, blog post, or printable.
Week 1
Focus: Sensory • Science Exploration • Nature Connection • Creativity • Language
Week 2
Focus: Practical Life Skills • Fine Motor • Water Play Science • Problem-Solving
Week 3
Focus: Sensory Play • Pretend Play • Imagination & Storytelling • Fine Motor Strength • Cause & Effect
Week 4
Focus: Language Development • Music & Rhythm • Memory & Sequencing • Gross Motor (movement retelling) • Creativity
Bonus
Focus: Holiday Traditions • Sensory Experience • Fine Motor Skills • Family Bonding • Memory Making
- 💡 Vertical Holiday Lights Craft (bonus post)
- The best Homemade Cinnamon Ornaments Recipe (without applesauce)
🧠 New to this curriculum?
Each month gives you sensory activities, a parent masterclass, a circle-time video, and a gentle weekly rhythm — jump in anywhere.
If you’d like a quick orientation first, I made a 10-minute foundation guide on how kids learn and what to expect developmentally. 👉 Watch the foundation guide →