A collection of teaching resources for primary schools, designed to explore winter in your classroom.
When does winter begin?
It depends whether you are referring to the meteorological calendar, or the astronomical calendar鈥
The meteorological calendar separates the seasons in three-month periods:
- Spring = March, April, May
- Summer = June, July, August
- Autumn = September, October, November
- Winter = December, January, February
This consistency makes it simpler to assess and compare weather data.
However, the astronomical calendar is determined by the tilt of the Earth and it's orbit around the Sun. This year, Winter begins on 21 December 2024, this is usually the date on which the winter solstice falls, marking the longest night of the year.
Live Lessons
Take a look at our winter-themed live lessons, including our 2023 Winterwatch lesson, with special guest Chris Packham.
Watch again: Winter - Live Lesson. video
Big cozy jumpers, frozen puddles, snow... winter has arrived! Join us for a cross-curricular lesson for 5-7 year-olds all about our coldest season.
Watch again: Big Schools鈥 Winterwatch 2023 鈥 Live Lesson. video
Head behind the scenes at Winterwatch in this thirty-minute science lesson for 7-11 year-olds with special guest Chris Packham.
Watch again: Big Schools鈥 Winterwatch 2021 鈥 Live Lesson. video
Aimed at 7-11 year-olds, learn some key skills to help you get outdoors and find out more about the birds in your environment with a very special Live Lesson.
Watch again: Big Schools鈥 Winterwatch 2019 鈥 Live Lesson. video
A science Live Lesson in collaboration with 91热爆 Two's Winterwatch to help 7-11-year-olds investigate living things and their habitats.
Video, audio and assemblies
Explore our video and audio resources including an assembly celebrating the summer and winter solstice, and the changing seasons.
How winter weather affects the behaviour of British animals and plants. video
Winter for animals is not so much fun, and this clip looks at the work animals put in with their continuing quest for food.
How squirrels collect nuts. video
A short KS1 video about the preparations squirrels make for the winter and their clever collection of nuts.
Summer and Winter Solstice. collection
KS1/KS2 assembly resources celebrating Midsummer's Day and also the Winter solstice; the changing seasons.
Christmas Around the World. collection
A fun assembly video for primary schools exploring some unusual Christmas traditions from around the world, including Mexico, Japan and Finland. It celebrates Christmas as a special time for Christians and non-Christians alike.
The seasons. video
In this short animated film, we journey through the four seasons found in the United Kingdom: spring, summer, autumn and winter.
The changing seasons. video
A look at what happens to different landscapes through the four seasons: Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring.
Playtime - Seasons. audio
As winter turns to spring, the changing seasons are the theme for this episode of Playtime.
Time for a Story: The Holly and The Ivy. audio
In this story for Primary schools, The Holly King and the Oak King have a Midwinter battle for the seasons.
