Are you ready to sprinkle a little peppermint magic into your classroom this winter? This Candy Cane STEAM Day is the perfect mix of hands-on learning and holiday fun! Students will explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math through candy cane–themed centers that keep engagement high and prep low.
We start the day with a read-aloud of Katie the Candy Cane Fairy by Tim Bugbird, a sweet story that sets the tone for our festive learning day. The included interactive read-aloud lesson plans help you focus on comprehension and vocabulary as students dive into Katie’s colorful candy world.
🔬 Science: Candy Cane Dissolving Experiment
Nothing says “holiday science” like watching a candy cane disappear! In this investigation, students explore how candy canes dissolve in different liquids — hot water, cold water, and vinegar.
They’ll make predictions, observe closely, and record their results on the included science recording sheet. This fun experiment builds observation skills and gets your little scientists thinking about cause and effect while connecting to real-world chemistry in a kid-friendly way.
💻 Technology: Candy Cane CVC Boom Cards™
In the technology center, students will practice encoding CVC words using an interactive Boom Card™ game.
Each card is designed with cheerful holiday imagery and audio support to encourage independent learning. It’s a great way to blend phonics practice with digital play as students stretch, blend, and spell words that reinforce foundational literacy skills.
🧱 Engineering: Peppermint Maze Challenge
Next up- the engineering station! Students will build a maze for a peppermint candy (or jingle bell) using building bricks, cardstock strips, or construction paper.
The goal? Create a path for the peppermint to roll through from start to finish! This open-ended challenge sparks creativity, fine motor skills, and problem-solving as your little engineers test, adjust, and celebrate their success.
🎨 Art: Tear Art Candy Cane & Poem
Time to get creative! At the art station, students will make a tear art candy cane by ripping red and white paper and gluing it in the traditional candy cane pattern.
As they craft, they’ll also learn and recite a candy cane poem, which makes this activity perfect for a classroom display or a take-home keepsake. It’s a festive way to blend literacy, art, and fine motor practice — all in one sweet project.
➕ Math: Count the Room – Numbers to 20
Get your students up and moving with a Count the Room activity!
Students will search the classroom for candy cane–themed number cards and record numbers up to 20 on their sheets. It’s an active way to reinforce number recognition, counting, and handwriting while spreading a little holiday cheer around the room.
🍬 Extras for a Little More Holiday Magic
Your Candy Cane STEAM Day pack also includes:
✨ A peppermint play dough recipe for a sensory exploration activity
🎀 A festive Candy Cane banner to decorate your centers or hallway display
📋 Detailed directions for smooth, organized center rotations
Each activity is designed to integrate seamlessly into your December plans, whether you use them for a STEAM Day, classroom party, or winter celebration! Click HERE or on the image below to check it out!
🎁 Grab Your Free Peppermint-Themed CVC Activity!
Add an extra sprinkle of sweetness to your day with this FREE CVC Encoding Game — perfect to play whole-class, in small groups, or to use as an intervention!
Bring joy, wonder, and peppermint-scented learning into your classroom this holiday season with Candy Cane STEAM Day!
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