January Learning Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
- Jennifer Fisher
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
January is a wonderful time to slow down, explore sensory experiences, and build foundational skills through play. Below are simple, developmentally appropriate learning activities you can enjoy with your child at home this month—along with the important skills they support.
👶 Infant Learning Activities (Birth–12 Months)
❄️ Texture Exploration Basket
Fill a small basket with soft scarves, fleece fabric, silicone teethers, and textured balls. Sit with your baby and allow them to touch, grasp, and explore each item.
What your infant is learning:
Sensory development through touch
Fine motor skills as they grasp and release objects
Cause and effect as they manipulate different textures
📚 Cozy Winter Story Time
Snuggle up with board books featuring simple pictures, faces, or winter themes. Talk about the pictures and respond to your baby’s sounds.
What your infant is learning:
Early language and listening skills
Social connection and bonding
Visual tracking and attention
🚼 Toddler Learning Activities (1–3 Years)
🧣 Sorting Winter Items
Provide mittens, hats, or scarves in different colors or sizes. Encourage your toddler to sort or match them.
What your toddler is learning:
Early math skills like sorting and matching
Problem-solving and cognitive development
Language skills as they name colors and items
🎨 Ice Painting
Freeze water with a little food coloring and let your toddler “paint” on paper as the ice melts.
What your toddler is learning:
Cause and effect
Fine motor control
Sensory exploration and creativity
Strengthening our small hand muscles!
🎒 Preschool Learning Activities (3–5 Years)
❄️ Winter Science: Melting Ice
Place ice cubes in different bowls (inside, outside, near a window). Ask your child to predict which will melt first.
What your preschooler is learning:
Early science concepts
Observation and prediction skills
Vocabulary development
✂️ Snowflake Creations
Use paper and child-safe scissors to create snowflakes, then count points or compare designs.
What your preschooler is learning:
Fine motor and scissor skills
Creativity and self-expression
Early math and comparison skills
💛 Why These Activities Matter
Hands-on learning supports brain development, builds confidence, and strengthens problem-solving skills. Simple activities like these help children learn through play—exactly how young children learn best.
Every moment of play is an opportunity to grow, explore, and connect. January is the perfect time to embrace cozy learning together!
Early Learning Programs with Hands-On Learning
At Foundations for Early Childhood Excellence, each day is intentionally structured to give every child meaningful opportunities to learn, explore, and grow at their own pace. Our classrooms balance predictable routines with rich, hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, independence, and discovery. Children are offered choice throughout the day, because choice matters in high-quality early learning environments—it empowers children, builds confidence, and supports deeper engagement. Through thoughtfully designed environments and responsive teaching, we ensure each child is supported academically, socially, and emotionally.
Choose Foundations for Early Childhood Excellence, where children are free to explore, learn, and thrive every day.
