Winter can be a magical season, but for many students it also brings restlessness, holiday stress, or mid-year fatigue. Classrooms can easily become overwhelmed with high energy and big feelings. That’s why building emotional regulation activities into your winter classroom routines is so powerful.
These calming, mindful activities are simple, seasonal, and help kids develop the skills to manage emotions while staying engaged in learning.
1. Snowflake Breathing Exercise
How it works:
- Print or draw snowflake patterns with six points.
- Students trace each arm with their finger while inhaling and exhaling.
Why it works: Combines breathing with a visual pattern, making mindfulness concrete.
2. Glitter “Snowstorm” Jars
How it works:
- Fill clear jars with glitter and water.
- Shake the jar to create a “snowstorm.”
- Students breathe slowly as they watch the glitter settle.
Why it works: Offers a calming visual metaphor for how emotions settle with time.
3. Cozy Calm Corner
How it works:
- Add soft pillows, blankets, or winter-themed posters to a quiet classroom space.
- Stock with fidgets, coloring sheets, and breathing prompts.
Why it works: Gives students a safe place to regulate before returning to group learning.
4. Winter Gratitude Wall
How it works:
- Post a large paper tree with bare branches.
- Students add snowflakes or mittens with something they’re thankful for.
Why it works: Gratitude shifts focus to positive emotions, building resilience.
5. Hot Cocoa Mindful Moment
How it works:
- Guide students through “holding” an imaginary cup of cocoa.
- Inhale the smell (deep breath in), blow to cool it (slow breath out).
Why it works: Playful imagery makes breathing practice fun and memorable.
6. Mindful Movement Breaks
How it works:
- Lead short stretches like “reach for icicles,” “snow angel arms,” or “curl up like a snowball.”
- Pair movements with deep breathing.
Why it works: Releases restlessness while teaching body awareness.
7. Winter-Themed Journaling
How it works:
- Provide prompts such as: “What helps me feel calm on a cold day?” or “One winter memory that makes me smile is…”
Why it works: Encourages reflection and emotional expression.
Final Thoughts
Winter is the perfect season to introduce emotional regulation activities that bring calm and focus to your classroom. With snowflake breathing, gratitude walls, and mindful cocoa breaks, students practice skills that support not only academics but also emotional growth.
For more classroom ideas, explore my guides on Classroom Strategies for Managing Impulsivity and Mindfulness for Impulsive Kids.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Eve, a former school counselor with a master’s degree in School Psychology and a passionate advocate for children and families navigating sensory challenges. As a mom of children with sensory sensitivities, I deeply understand the journey special-needs parents face, and I dedicate myself to researching and sharing practical solutions to help children thrive and feel comfortable in their bodies. My goal is also to empower counselors, therapists, and psychologists with creative strategies and supportive resources to enrich their everyday practice. When I’m not writing or exploring new therapeutic approaches, you’ll find me spending quality time with my family and continually seeking inspiration from everyday moments.
