Finding winter reading and writing activities that I think my students might actually enjoy can be difficult, but hygge classroom activities provide just the thing to help with that.
I am not a winter baby. Never have been. I can’t exactly pinpoint my disdain for winter, but I’m fairly certain it started rather early in life. Every time winter rolls around, I search for ways to make it more bearable. Enter: Hygge. This Danish term (pronounced “hoo-ga”) is the feeling of cozy contentment. While hygge is deeply embedded into Danish culture all year long, I find myself wanting to implement elements of hygge even moreso in the winter months. Nothing helps me cope with the dark winter months more than creating cozy contentment for myself.
This year, I decided to introduce my students to hygge with a Hygge Reading and Writing Project. Students learned about hygge and chose a project from a six options on a choice board to demonstrate their understanding. This range of options provides the perfect amount of hygge classroom activities to help students warm up from the cold.
My students produced a range of projects that varied from sharing a photo of the hygge they created for themselves to making hygge-inspired Pinterest boards. The project was incredibly insightful and made me think about the ways I could incorporate hygge into my own classroom. Students produce their best work when they’re comfortable, so why not use hygge to encourage them? I thought I’d share five of those ideas with you.
#1: Bring in Blankets
When I inherited my current classroom, it came with a bag full of blankets (some with arm holes!) that I did not appreciate when I originally received them. My first thought: ew, germs. My students, however, absolutely loved them and it became a motivator for some of them to complete work. It certainly made sense. I do my best work when I’m comfortable. Turns out, my students do, too!
#2: Create Mood Lighting
A desk lamp. A few strings of lights. Using only daylight if you have windows. These are just a few ways you can create hygge in your classroom using light.
#3: Fake a Cozy Fire
It would be amazing to be able to curl up by the fireside while doing choice reading, but we all know that isn’t possible in a school building. Create a fake fireplace by searching for a relaxing video with ambient noise on YouTube and projecting it onto your board.
#4: Use Elements of Nature
Spruce up your space with a plant or two to bring the spirit of nature into your classroom. I know that green elements always brighten my mood and I’m going to bet your students would appreciate it, too.
#5: Listen to a Hygge Podcast
Study elements of nonfiction by listening to a Hygge Podcast (such as the Hygge Girls) together. Students can learn all about the beauty of hygge directly through your instruction.
Try This Hygge Classroom Activity!
These are just a few ways you can incorporate hygge in your own classroom. Try exploring the topic even further with your students by using my The Art of Hygge project. It’s sure to be a memorable and mood-boosting experience for both you and your students.
Bonus Tip!
Bring out the colored pencils and add more Doodle Notes to your lesson plans. Coloring can add an extra layer of calm to your teaching practice. My students love when I hand out a fresh set of Doodle Notes so they can mix a little bit of leisure with their learning. (Tip: This set works with any story!)
How would you like to incorporate hygge in your classroom? Let me know in the comments below or join me on Instagram or Facebook to join the discussion.
Happy teaching!
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