Teaching Kindness Through Winter Stories
Books and Activities That Build Empathy & Connection During the Winter Months
Winter naturally slows us down. The days are shorter, routines shift, and children spend more time indoors—making it the perfect season to focus on kindness, empathy, and connection.
Stories are one of the most powerful ways preschoolers learn how to understand others. Through characters, emotions, and shared experiences, children begin to see beyond themselves and practice compassion in age-appropriate ways.
Below are winter-themed book recommendations and simple activities that help preschoolers grow socially and emotionally while staying cozy inside.
❄️ Why Winter Is Ideal for Teaching Kindness
Preschoolers are still learning:
How others feel
How their actions affect people
How to respond with care
Winter stories often highlight:
Helping
Sharing
Friendship
Comfort
Community
These themes naturally invite conversations about kindness without forcing a “lesson.”
📚 Winter Storybook Recommendations That Teach Kindness
🧤 The Mitten by Jan Brett
Kindness Focus: Sharing space, helping others
This classic tale shows animals making room for one another inside a warm mitten.
Talk About It:
How did the animals help each other?
Was it easy to share?
How did working together help everyone?
☃️ Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
Kindness Focus: Imagination, inclusion, joy
This playful book invites children to imagine what snowmen do together after dark.
Talk About It:
What do the snowmen do together?
How do friends have fun kindly?
How do we include others in play?
🐧 Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups by Tadgh Bentley
Kindness Focus: Helping, patience, empathy
Little Penguin’s friends try different ways to help him feel better.
Talk About It:
How did the friends try to help?
How can we help someone who’s uncomfortable?
What does being a good friend look like?
❄️ Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Kindness Focus: Thoughtfulness, hospitality
Animals gather to keep warm while Bear sleeps—and later welcome him into their fun.
Talk About It:
How did the animals care for each other?
How did Bear feel when he woke up?
How do we help someone feel included?
❤️ Simple Kindness Activities to Pair With Winter Stories
🧣 1. “Kindness Mittens” Craft
Cut out paper mittens
Write or draw kind actions (helping, sharing, hugging)
Display them as a “kindness wall”
Skills Built:
Emotional awareness
Language development
Reflection
🌬️ 2. Kindness Breathing
After reading, practice calming breaths together:
Warm Cocoa Breath: Pretend to smell cocoa, then gently blow to cool it
Snowflake Breath: Slow inhale, soft exhale
This helps children:
Regulate emotions
Connect feelings to calm actions
🧸 3. Role-Play Kindness
Use stuffed animals or dolls to:
Practice helping a friend
Comfort someone who’s sad
Share during play
Ask:
“What could we do to help?”
📖 4. Story Reflection Time
Keep it simple:
“How did the character feel?”
“What was kind?”
“How can we do that today?”
Even one question builds empathy.
🌟 Building Kindness Is a Daily Practice
Kindness isn’t taught in one moment—it’s shaped through:
Repeated stories
Gentle conversations
Real-life practice
Winter gives us the gift of slower days and closer moments, making it an ideal season to nurture soft skills that last a lifetime.
❄️ Final Thought
When preschoolers hear stories about kindness, they begin to live them. Through winter books, cozy routines, and intentional play, children learn that caring for others is part of everyday life.
For more story-based learning ideas, emotional regulation tools, and preschool resources, visit BooksByRimes.com.
