January

Guilford County's School Readiness Calendar
The School Readiness Calendar helps parents and providers get young children school ready with these fun and simple activities!

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Reading with your child builds key skills and makes learning fun. Start by flipping through picture books to predict the story, point to words as you read and reread favorite books to build confidence and vocabulary. 
1
  • Write out news year's resolutions for the whole family
2
  • Tape down paper "snowflakes" with letters and hop to named letters
3
  • Count cotton balls into numbered cups
4
  • Thread yarn through pre-punched snowflake shapes
5
  • Use cotton balls and paper to create a snowy scene
6
  • Mix baking soda and water to make "snow"
7
  • Sing the Song "Snowflakes Falling Down" Song

    Lyrics:
    Snowflakes falling to the ground,
    To the ground, to the ground.
    Snowflakes falling to the ground,
    Soft and white and cold.
    Catch them as they float on down,
    Float on down, float on down.
    Catch them as they float on down,
    Winter's here to stay!
8
  • Toss soft balls at a "snowman"
9
  • Pretend to serve hot cocoa with cups and play money
10
  • Write things you're thankful for on paper snowflakes
11
  • Pretend to save toy animals from "ice" (freeze a bowl of water)
12
  • Check the local NC Pre-K Program website to see when NC Pre-K registration begins
13
  • Build a snowman using circles, squares, and triangles
14
  • Move ice cubes using spoons for a fun challenge
15
  • Make a snow globe by drawing a winter scene and "seal" it in a clear plastic plate
16
  • Track the temperature or snowfall daily
17
  • Sing the Song "Building a Snowman"
    Lyrics:
    Roll, roll, roll the snow,
    Big and round we go.
    Pile it high and add a face,
    A snowman in its place!
    A hat, a scarf and gloves go on,
    Carrot for a nose.
    Buttons down his tummy round,
    That's how our snowman grows!
18
  • Draw snowmen with different facial expressions
19
  • Retell a favorite winter story using toys
20
  • Sing the Song "The Mitten Song"
    Lyrics:
    The mittens on my hands keep me all warm,
    Keep me all warm, keep me all warm.
    The mittens on my hands keep me all warm,
    All winter long!
    The scarf around my neck goes round and round,
    Round and round, round and round.
    The scarf around my neck goes round and round,
    All winter long!
21
  • Create patterns using block shapes or cutouts
22
  • Sort buttons by size or color using tongs
23
  • Use string and blue paint to make dripping icicle art
24
  • Predict and test how long ice cubes take to melt
25
  • Look for animal tracks outside or create some with toys
26
  • Race to "dress" a snowman with scarves and hats
27
  • Build winter houses from blocks and decorate with paper cutouts
28
  • Pretend to "fix" a snowman with missing parts
29
  • Do one kind act each day throughout the month
30
  • Match paper mittens with numbers or patterns
31
  • Discuss how winter activities make you feel

Tips for Parents:

Create a  reading routine with your child by choosing a consistent time daily (like before bed) to read together to help build a love for reading, strengthen language skills, and create a special bonding moment.

Use different voices for characters and add sound effects while reading to keep your child’s attention, build listening skills, and make reading fun.

For More Information, visit readbondgrow.org 

Book(s) to Read this Month:

“A Sled for Gabo” by Emma Otheguy, Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González

"Play is the foundation of learning for young children. When parents actively engage in their child's play, they are not just participating in games but are building the child's future."
— Dr. Evelyn Moore, founder of the National Black Child Development Institute
Jan 2026