Winter is the perfect time for creative classroom fun! These 7 simple winter art projects are designed for kindergarten and first-grade students, using affordable materials and easy-to-follow steps. Whether you’re looking for a quick craft or an art-and-writing activity, these projects will keep your students engaged while working on fine motor skills and creativity.
Bonus: Many of these projects tie into winter books and science themes—perfect for cross-curricular learning!
1. Hide and Seek Snowman
This fun winter craft combines art and writing!
Materials Needed:
- White, black, orange, and blue construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- Writing template (or blank paper for writing)
How to Make It:
- Cut out the snowman pieces from construction paper: a large white circle for the face, black for the hat and buttons, orange for the carrot nose, and blue for the mittens.
- Assemble the snowman by gluing the hat, mittens, and nose onto the face.
- Add facial details using a marker (eyes, eyebrows, and coal mouth).
- Glue the snowman to one side of the writing template so it looks like it’s peeking out.
- Have students write a short story about where their snowman is hiding!
Cross-Curricular Learning Idea:
- Writing Prompt: “One winter day, my snowman played hide and seek in…”
- Pair with a read-aloud of “Sneezy the Snowman” by Maureen Wright to inspire creative stories!
2. Penguin Winter Art Projects
A cute penguin craft with a hidden writing activity!
Materials Needed:
- Black, white, orange, green, and patterned construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Markers
- Writing template (or lined paper)
How to Make It:
- Cut out the penguin’s body using black paper, a white belly, orange feet, and a beak.
- Assemble the penguin by gluing the pieces onto a blue background.
- Create a winter hat and scarf using colored and patterned paper to add a fun, cozy look!
- Attach the writing piece under the penguin’s belly so it can flip open.
- Have students write their own penguin story inside the belly flap!
Cross-Curricular Learning Idea:
- Pair with the book “Tacky the Penguin” by Helen Lester and have students write about their own silly penguin adventure!
- Writing Prompt: “If I were a penguin, I would…” to encourage imaginative storytelling.
Go all out with this unit kids LOVE all about penguins!
3. Reindeer Cuties Winter Art Projects
A playful reindeer painting that builds fine motor skills and creativity!
Materials Needed:
- White cardstock or construction paper
- Brown, red, green, and black paint
- Paintbrushes
- Black marker
How to Make It:
- Start with a large brown oval for the reindeer’s head. Let it dry.
- Add two white ovals for the eyes and paint a big red circle for the nose (Rudolph style!).
- Use a thin paintbrush or marker to draw antlers and facial details like a smile and pupils.
- Paint a green or red background for a festive look.
- Let students add details like a scarf, snowflakes, or holiday decorations!
Cross-Curricular Learning Idea:
- Pair with the book “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” or “Olive, the Other Reindeer” and discuss what makes everyone special!
- Writing Prompt: “If I were a reindeer, I would…” to encourage creative storytelling!
4. Winter Bears
A cozy winter bear craft with a fun writing extension!
Materials Needed:
- Brown, black, white, and pink construction paper
- Colored paper for hats and scarves (blue, yellow, pink, etc.)
- Cotton balls for fluffy hat trim
- Scissors
- Glue
- Writing template (or lined paper)
How to Make It:
- Cut out bear shapes using brown paper for the head and body, black for the nose and eyes, and pink for the paws and ears.
- Assemble the bear by gluing the pieces together.
- Add a winter hat and scarf using bright paper colors—decorate with cotton balls for a fluffy trim!
- Attach the writing template to the bear’s paws.
- Have students write a sentence or short story about their winter bear adventure.
Cross-Curricular Learning Idea:
- Pair with the book “Bear Snores On” by Karma Wilson to discuss hibernation!
- Writing Prompt: “If I were a bear in winter, I would…” to encourage creative storytelling!
5. Polar Bear Draw & Write Winter Art Projects
A directed drawing activity that strengthens writing skills!
Materials Needed:
- Polar Bear Draw & Write Template (or blank paper)
- Pencils
- Black markers or crayons
- Blue crayon or watercolor for background
How to Make It:
- Guide students through the step-by-step polar bear drawing using the template.
- Encourage them to outline their drawing in black marker for boldness.
- Add a light blue background to create a winter scene.
- Have students write a short story or fact about polar bears in the writing section.
Cross-Curricular Learning Idea:
- Science Connection: Teach students about polar bear adaptations—why they have thick fur, blubber, and white coats!
- Pair with the book “The Three Snow Bears” by Jan Brett to introduce polar habitats!
6. Snowy Winter Birch Trees
A stunning winter art project using tape-resist painting!
Materials Needed:
- White construction paper
- Blue and black paint (tempera or watercolor)
- Painters tape or masking tape
- Small paintbrushes or sponges
- White paint or a paint pen for snowflakes
How to Make It:
- Use painter’s tape to create tree shapes on white paper. Students can arrange them in different directions.
- Paint over the entire page with a mix of blue and black to create a nighttime winter sky.
- Once dry, peel off the tape to reveal bright white birch trees!
- Use a thin brush or black marker to add tree bark details.
- Dip a small brush or cotton swab in white paint to create falling snowflakes.
Cross-Curricular Learning Idea:
- Science Tie-In: Discuss why trees lose their leaves and how birch trees survive in winter.
- Pair with “Stranger in the Woods” by Carl R. Sams II for a nature-inspired story!
7. DIY Snow Globe Craft
A magical snow globe craft that’s fun and mess-free!
Materials Needed:
- Clean plastic or glass jar with a lid
- Glitter (silver, white, or red)
- Water
- Glycerin or baby oil (optional, for a slower snowfall effect)
- Small laminated snowman picture or waterproof figurine
- Ribbon and tissue paper for decoration
- Strong glue (hot glue recommended for sealing)
How to Make It:
- Fill the jar with water, leaving a little space at the top.
- Add glitter (a little goes a long way!) and a few drops of glycerin to slow the falling effect.
- Glue a small laminated snowman picture inside or attach a waterproof figurine to the lid.
- Secure the lid tightly with strong glue to prevent leaks.
- Decorate the lid with ribbon, tissue paper, or curling ribbon for a festive touch!
- Shake and watch the snowstorm swirl inside the jar!
Cross-Curricular Learning Idea:
- Introduce a simple science lesson about liquids and density by discussing how glycerin slows down the glitter’s movement!
- Pair with “The Snow Globe Family” by Jane O’Connor for a fun read-aloud before crafting!
Make Winter Art Easy & Fun in Your Classroom
These seven winter art projects are a great way to bring seasonal creativity into your kindergarten or first-grade classroom. Each craft encourages fine motor skills, storytelling, and hands-on learning, making them perfect for winter bulletin boards and cross-curricular lessons.
Want all the templates for these projects in one easy download? Get access to all the printables from this post, plus unlimited downloads of our entire teaching resource library.
We’d love to see your students’ winter masterpieces! Tag us or share your classroom creations in the comments below.
