Arctic Lesson Plan with Activities

This Arctic Animals lesson plan with activities provides a flexible outline for teaching this theme in preschool or Pre-K. It includes circle time ideas, literacy and math activities, hands-on learning, and creative play.

Using a clear lesson plan helps keep learning purposeful and organized while still allowing room for play and exploration. A consistent structure supports young learners as they practice early skills, build vocabulary, and stay engaged throughout the day.

Print-Friendly Arctic Animal Preschool Lesson Plan →

Arctic Animals & Polar Habitats

Learning Goals

  • Build early literacy and vocabulary
  • Practice counting and early math skills
  • Strengthen fine-motor skills
  • Learn basic facts about Arctic animals and habitats
  • Encourage creativity and imagination

Arctic Animals Worksheets & Coloring Pages→

Circle Time (15–20 Minutes)

Discussion Topics

  • What is the Arctic? (cold, snow, ice, ocean)
  • Animals that live in the Arctic
  • How animals stay warm

Vocabulary Words
snow, ice, cold, polar bear, penguin, seal, Arctic fox

Song / Movement Idea

  • Waddle like penguins
  • Stomp like polar bears
  • Slide like seals

Literacy Activity (15 Minutes)

Arctic Sight Word Practice

  • Introduce 3–5 words: snow, ice, bear, seal, cold
  • Activities:
  • Trace words
  • Match picture to word
  • Say and clap syllables

 Arctic Animals Literacy Worksheets→

Math Activity (15 Minutes)

Count the Arctic Animals

  • Count penguins or polar bears on a worksheet
  • Sort animals by size or type
  • Simple patterns (penguin–seal–penguin–seal)

Arctic Animals Math Worksheets →

Fine Motor / Craft Activity (20–25 Minutes)

Option 1: Cotton Ball Polar Bear

  • Glue cotton balls to bear outline
  • Add face details

Option 2: Paper Plate Penguin

  • Color plate black/white
  • Add beak and feet

Art / Creativity (15–20 Minutes)

Drawing Prompt
Draw your favorite Arctic animal in the snow.

OR

Sensory Idea
Play with fake snow, cotton, or white play dough.


Story Time (10 Minutes)

Read an Arctic or winter animal book
OR
Use a story starter:
“While walking in the snow, I found animal tracks that led to…”


Outdoor / Gross Motor (Optional)

Arctic Animal Movement Game

Teacher calls animal → kids move like it

  • Penguin = waddle
  • Polar bear = slow heavy steps
  • Seal = slide on tummy (carpet or mats)


Wrap-Up / Review (5 Minutes)

Ask:

  • What animal did you learn about today?
  • What was your favorite activity?


Materials List

  • Worksheets / printables
  • Cotton balls
  • Paper plates
  • Glue, scissors, crayons
  • Animal picture cards
  • Books about Arctic animals

More Arctic Animals Resources

Arctic Animals Worksheets & Coloring Pages→
Arctic Animals Preschool Lesson Plan (Print-Friendly)→
View the Full Arctic Animals Theme→