Learning from Inspiring People in January

January is a natural time to slow down, reflect, and think about new beginnings. It’s also a wonderful month to introduce young learners to real people who made a difference through perseverance, kindness, leadership, and curiosity.

For Kindergarten through 2nd grade, learning about notable individuals works best when the focus is on big ideas rather than dates and details. Three figures that fit beautifully into January learning are Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., and Benjamin Franklin.

Although they lived at different times and worked in different ways, Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., and Benjamin Franklin share something important: they each found ways to use their strengths to help others.

Helen Keller reminds students that challenges do not stop learning or communication.

Martin Luther King Jr. teaches fairness, kindness, and standing up for what is right.

Benjamin Franklin shows the power of curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving.

Together, they offer meaningful opportunities for nonfiction learning with gentle social-emotional connections.

January provides natural connections to each of these individuals:

World Braille Day (January 4) is a perfect time to learn about Helen Keller and how people communicate in different ways.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 15) invites conversations about kindness, fairness, and helping others.

Benjamin Franklin Day (January 17) is a fun opportunity to explore inventions, curiosity, and learning from mistakes.

Keeping lessons simple and student-centered helps young learners focus on understanding rather than memorization.

Picture books and simple biographies help bring these people to life. Here are a few teacher-favorite read-aloud books that work well for K–2:

Helen Keller by Gare Thompson

Who Was Helen Keller? 

Martin’s Big Words by Doreen Rappaport

My Brother Martin by Christine King Farris

Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin by Gene Barretta

Who Was Ben Franklin? 

These books encourage discussion, questions, and reflection.

5 Simple Activities for K–2 include:

These activities can be used with any of the three people and work well during January routines:

Character Traits Chart: Discuss traits such as kind, brave, curious, fair, and helpful.

Problem & Solution: Identify a challenge each person faced and how they helped others.

Directed Drawing & Writing: Draw the person and write one simple fact or sentence.

Then & Now Comparison: Talk about how life long ago was different from today.

How Can I Help? Reflection: Encourage students to think about small ways they can help others.

These activities keep learning thoughtful, calm, and developmentally appropriate.

Studying inspiring people in January helps set a positive tone for the year ahead. It encourages students to see that learning, kindness, and curiosity can make a difference — no matter how young they are.

If you’re looking for classroom resources to support this learning, you can find my Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., and Benjamin Franklin fact booklets in my Teachers Pay Teachers store here:

January is a wonderful time to learn from the past while looking forward with hope!

Winter Animals: A Cozy January Nonfiction Focus for K–2

After the excitement of the holidays, January feels like a natural time to slow down, observe, and learn together. One topic that never fails to capture children’s curiosity is winter animals. Young learners are fascinated by how animals survive cold temperatures, snow, and shorter days  and these questions open the door to rich nonfiction learning.

For Kindergarten through 2nd grade (especially K–1), winter animals provide meaningful opportunities to explore science, reading, and inquiry in a calm, engaging way.

Over the years, I’ve created a collection of winter animal resources designed to be simple, student-friendly, and easy to use during reading groups or independent work.

These include individual animal fact booklets such as penguins, bears, polar bears, arctic foxes, reindeer, moose, and pandas, along with broader resources like an Animals in Winter fact booklet, a Winter Animals PBL, and a How to Draw Winter Animals activity. Together, they allow teachers to introduce winter survival concepts while building nonfiction reading skills, observation, and curiosity.

Rather than overwhelming students with too much at once, these resources work well when introduced slowly,  one animal, one question, one discovery at a time.

Favorite Winter Animal Read-Alouds (Teacher Favorites)

Pairing nonfiction learning with a good read-aloud makes winter animals come alive. Here are a few well-loved classroom favorites that work beautifully with K–2 learners:

The Emperor’s Egg by Martin Jenkins – A wonderful penguin story that introduces animal care and survival in cold climates.

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson – A cozy favorite that gently introduces hibernation.

Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner – A beautiful look at animals active beneath the snow.

National Geographic Readers: Polar Bears – Simple nonfiction text with real photographs.

Animals in Winter by Henrietta Bancroft – A clear, kid-friendly introduction to how animals adapt during winter.

These books spark natural questions and make a perfect starting point for discussion.

5 Simple Winter Animal Activities for K–2

Winter animals don’t require elaborate projects. Often, the most meaningful learning comes from simple, thoughtful activities:

Compare & Observe: Compare two winter animals — fur, habitat, food, or movement.

How Do Animals Survive?: Sort animals by hibernation, migration, or adaptation.

Directed Drawing + Writing: Draw a winter animal and write one or two facts.

Build a Habitat: Use paper, blocks, or recyclables to design a winter home.

Winter Animal Research Page: Let students choose one animal to explore using pictures, labels, and simple facts.

These activities work beautifully during January when students benefit from predictable routines and gentle engagement.

Winter animals offer a peaceful yet powerful way to begin the new year. They encourage observation, empathy, and curiosity, all while strengthening nonfiction skills in a developmentally appropriate way for K–2 learners.

If you’re looking for winter animal resources to support your January lessons, you can find all of my Winter Animal fact booklets and activities together in my Teachers Pay Teachers store here:

 https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thebeezyteacher

Here’s to a cozy, curious start to the year! 

December Is the Perfect Month for Meaningful Books!

December is a month full of sparkle, celebration, and excitement and it’s also a beautiful time to slow down and connect through stories with heart. Whether you’re reading at home snuggled under a blanket or gathered together in a classroom of eager listeners, meaningful books help children build empathy, kindness, patience, and gratitude and values that warm us more than any winter coat ever could. This season is the perfect opportunity to pair cozy read-aloud books with simple activities that deepen conversation, creativity, and connection.

Below are a few standout books for K–2 readers that highlight powerful messages and offer opportunities to reflect, create, and grow.

Slothy Claus By Jodie Shepherd:

    The message is about patience and appreciating the journey and not just the destination.

In this delightful twist on Santa, Slothy Claus is always running just a little bit behind… sometimes months late! Instead of frustration, the world learns an unexpected lesson: good things are worth waiting for. Slothy reminds children that life doesn’t have to be rushed, but joy can be found in the waiting.

    Some activity ideas to do with this book include:

Art: Create “Slow and Steady Santa” drawings using oil pastels and watercolor backgrounds.

Writing: Sentence starter: “Something I’m learning to be patient about is…”

SEL Connection: Make a class or family “patience plan” and brainstorm ways to calm down, wait kindly, or try again when things feel slow.

Twelve Days of Kindness By Irene Latham:

    The message is this book is: Small acts of kindness can create big change.

This sweet story invites children to rethink the traditional “12 Days” format by replacing gifts with thoughtful acts of care and compassion. From making someone smile to helping a friend, these simple ideas remind young readers that kindness doesn’t need wrapping paper but rather, it just needs a willing heart.

    Some activity ideas include:

Craft: Create a Kindness Countdown Chain where each link holds one small act of kindness.

Writing: Respond to: “Today, I showed kindness by…”

Social Studies: Discuss community helpers and how their work makes the world kinder.

Winter Wishes By Erainna Winnett:

    The message is this book: Notice the needs of others and take action with empathy.

This gentle winter story follows a child who realizes someone nearby doesn’t have the warmth or comfort they need. Instead of walking past, they act showing readers that empathy becomes meaningful when paired with generosity and awareness.

    Some activity ideas include:

Art: Design a “Warm Winter Heart” collage using fabric scraps, felt, or paper.

Writing: Letter prompt: “I wish warmth, love, and comfort for…” (friend, animal, community, planet).

Service Learning: Collect mittens, socks, or scarves to donate to a local shelter and create a display with the theme: “Sharing Warmth.”

    Share Some Kindness, Bring Some Light By Apryl Stott

This message in this story: Kindness matters even when others don’t notice or understand.

A charming winter tale about a girl and her bear friend who work to show kindness, even when assumptions make things difficult. It reminds children that kindness isn’t about being seen but rather, it’s about being true to who we are.

    Some activity ideas include:

Art: Create lantern art symbolizing “bringing light to the world.”

Writing: “Kindness is…” poem or word collage.

Science: Explore how light travels and what helps it shine brighter and connect to the metaphor.

December gives us so much to celebrate; such as traditions, togetherness, joy, but some of the greatest gifts this month offers come through the stories we share. When we read meaningful books, we help children grow not just academically, but emotionally such as learning to be patient, compassionate, thoughtful community members. These books remind us that even in the busiest season, there is space for connection, curiosity, and kindness.

So grab a cozy blanket, warm drink, and a story with heart  and let the season inspire gentle learning and joyful reflection. 

Did You Know Stockings Started as Shoes?

When we think of Christmas stockings today, we picture colorful socks hanging from a mantel — filled with tiny surprises, treats, and maybe a little holiday magic. But long before stockings became part of modern Christmas traditions, children used shoes — not socks — to collect gifts!

This tradition began in parts of Europe, especially in the Netherlands and Germany, where children placed their shoes by the door or fireplace on the evening of December 5th in celebration of Sinterklaas. The next morning, they would wake to find mandarins, nuts, chocolates, small toys, or gingerbread tucked inside. Sometimes carrots were left out for Sinterklaas’s horse — and in return, children received kindness back in the form of treats.

Over time, as the tradition spread across Europe and later into North America, shoes became stockings, fireplaces became decorative mantels, and Sinterklaas gradually transformed into the Santa Claus many of us recognize today. But at the heart of the tradition is the same idea: giving, generosity, and a bit of seasonal wonder.

Today, stockings are found in homes, classrooms, holiday markets, and festive displays around the world. Some stockings are plain and cozy — others glitter, jingle, or represent characters and themes. Many families personalize stockings with names, stitched initials, or special designs passed down from generation to generation.

And while filling stockings may look different depending on the family or culture, one thing remains true: it’s a joyful reminder of anticipation, giving, and celebration.

If you’d like to help children explore the history behind holiday traditions, these resources support reading, curiosity, and critical thinking.

 Christmas Stocking Fact Booklet

Students explore where stockings originated, how traditions changed over time, and what makes this tradition meaningful in different families and cultures. It makes a wonderful mini history lesson paired with a simple craft or writing extension.

 

Christmas in the Netherlands Booklet

This booklet introduces students to Sinterklaas, wooden shoes, holiday foods, parades, and cultural traditions still celebrated today. It helps children see how holiday customs vary around the world — and how many connect back to the traditions they recognize.

Pairing these two resources together makes a fantastic cultural learning experience for December!

Here are five read-aloud books that go beautifully with the story of stockings, Christmas traditions, and celebrations around the world:

 The Legend of St. Nicholas — Dandi Daley Mackall

 

Christmas Around the World — Mary D Lankford

 The Baker’s Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale — Aaron Shepard

 St. Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins — Jim Forest

 

The Night of Las Posadas — Tomie dePaola

These stories introduce cultural traditions, generosity, symbols, and the history behind holiday celebrations.

Here are a few meaningful extension ideas for home or classroom use:

 1. Shoe or Stocking Compare & Contrast Chart - Kids compare how gifts were once left in shoes versus today’s stockings.

 2. Design-Your-Own Stocking Craft - Students draw, decorate, or craft a paper stocking and write: “If I designed a stocking for someone I love, it would include…”

 3. Letter Writing Activity — To Sinterklaas or Santa - Encourage kindness-focused wishes rather than just “things.”

 4. Geography Connection: Where Did the Tradition Travel? Mark the Netherlands, Germany, and the U.S. on a map to trace how the tradition spread.

 5. STEM Challenge — The Strongest Stocking Hook - Students engineer a hook or hanger that can hold a filled paper stocking.

Traditions like Christmas stockings aren’t just decorative — they carry stories of kindness, sharing, and cultural history. When we explore where they began, children learn that celebrations grow and change as they move across time and place — just like people do.

So the next time a stocking is hung, filled, or admired, it becomes more than a decoration. It becomes a connection — to the past, to families, to culture, and to the joy of giving.

These products may be found in my store:  

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/thebeezyteacher