This laptime program of winter poems is geared for babies and toddlers. As such, it should last about 20 minutes. To accommodate young toddlers and babies, only a few winter poems and books are suggested. To have the program last 20 minutes, the poems should be repeated several times giving parents and caregivers a chance to learn them and then repeat them with you. There is also a suggested craft that is geared toward toddlers and is optional depending on your program and resources. Don’t miss the Winter Poems printable at the end that you can use yourself or as a handout.
Beginning Laptime Program
Warm welcomes on this winter day. You can begin your laptime program with one of my favorite songs, We’re Glad You’re Here Today, if you’re group is small and you know or want to know the babies’/toddlers’ names. Another welcome rhyme that’s great for babies and toddlers is Big Books, Little Books. It’s easy for parents and caregivers to help little ones do the actions with Big Books, Little Books.
Winter Poems
5 Little Snowmen: Free snowman finger puppet printable
Winter’s Coming: Sung to the tune of “Frere Jacques”
Jack Frost: Cute interactive poem. Parents can kiss the baby’s/toddler’s nose
Snowflakes Falling Down: This winter poem is easy for parents/caregivers to do the actions on their baby
Once There Was a Snowman: This post contains a video so you can see the song in action
When introducing new winter poems and songs, remember to do them a few times so that parents, caregivers and little ones can become familiar with them and then join in with you in saying them.
Books to Go with Winter Poems
Here Comes Jack Frost by Kazuno Kohara
This delightfully illustrated books tells the story of a young boy who is lonely during the winter months. He makes friends with Jack Frost and they have many wintery adventures. Their magical friendship depends on the winter season and has a bittersweet moment when the boy realizes spring is approaching. Read more reviews of Here Comes Jack Frost
No Two Alike by Keith Baker
This sweet story shows winter from the perspective of two birds who are “almost, almost, but not quite” alike. The story is made of rhyming verses spread out among the pages; perfect for young listeners. Read more reviews of No Two Alike
When reading aloud to a very young group, I find it helpful to only read one or two books and to revisit the winter poems in between the books and again after the second book. The repetition helps build vocabulary while allowing toddlers to practice the new movements they learned in the poems. It also allows parents and caregivers a chance to practice and learn the new poems so they can revisit them during the week with their little ones.
Optional Craft for Winter Poems
Create your own winter landscape. Have little ones decorate a sheet of blue paper with snowflake stickers. Removing and applying stickers is a great fine motor skills activity for toddlers. This project is all about the process and will likely keep toddlers busy for several minutes as they fill their paper with stickers.
Supplies needed:
Winter Poems Free Printable
Download your free winter poems free printable now.
The Winter Poems printable contains the lyrics to these 5 winter poems plus the welcome poem Big Books, Little Books. You can print this for personal use to remember the poems as you present your story time or circle time program. You can also use it as a handout for parents and caregivers to take home and remember the poems to share with their young child during the week.
