Add some extra spark to your homeschool days with some learning ideas for February. If you are looking for some interesting topics to use in your Morning Time or just want to supplement your learning with some new ideas, here is a huge list of history, holidays, and winter fun for you to explore!
If you want to spark learning in your child, just read through this list of topics and ideas to get started. Choose an historical event or start learning about a famous person who was born in February. Or explore seasonal themes to make your days more interesting.
Use these topics and booklists as a jumping off point for learning then turn them into a whole unit study if you’d like. Just add some more books, internet links, discussions, and maybe a small project. Or look online for a unit study already created on the topic!
Use the nature study ideas to get outdoors more. Create a fun food project, sctivity, or quick craft with the lists below!
THere are many ways you could use this list. I hope it helps you make the most of this month with your kids. Following things that interest you and your kids can be one of the best ways to learn and helps make memories!
So check out this list of February learning ideas. And don’t forget to download the printable version at the bottom of the post!
*Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the link. Please see my disclosure for more details.
February Learning Ideas
I have created this list of February learning ideas to help spark interest for you and your child. These are not just topics about winter or Valentine’s Day, though many of them are. These lists also cover historical people and events, which can spin off into so many areas of learning!
From political figures, to artists, musicians, and even authors, you can use this list to start a learning journey in most any area! Learning about the science behind the nature topics, or dive into the science and history of the technological advances.
There is no shortage of learning options in this post! You could easily fill hours of learning just through expanding on some of the topics in this post.
May your learning be rich with ideas this month!
Big Topics of February
Here are the main ideas you could cover during February using this list:
- Groundhog day
- Valentines day
- US Presidents
- Black history
- Shadows
- Love
- Chinese new year
- Mardi gras
- Lent
- Leap day
- Winter
Major holidays and observances
There are several popular US holidays and observances during the month of February. Here are the most popular:
- Groundhog Day (February 2) – Predicting the arrival of spring in North America.
- Valentine’s Day (February 14) – Celebration of love and affection, observed globally.
- Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February) – In the U.S., originally to celebrate George Washington’s Birthday, now honors all U.S. presidents.
- Black History Month (All of February) – Dedicated to recognizing the history and achievements of African Americans.
- Lunar New Year (varies, often in February) – Celebrated in countries with significant Chinese populations, also known as Chinese New Year.
- Mardi Gras (date varies, often in February) – The day before Ash Wednesday, known for festive celebrations, particularly in New Orleans.
- Ash Wednesday (date varies) – A day of repentance in Christian tradition that marks the beginning of Lent.
- February 29 – Leap Day, which occurs every four years, adding an extra day to the calendar year.
Famous figures born in February
Many famous figures were born in February. Learning about these people can lead to incredible learning opportunities! Check out who was born this month and see if you have the same birthday!
Authors
- Langston Hughes (February 1, 1902) – American poet and leader of the Harlem Renaissance (The Weary Blues).
- James Joyce (February 2, 1882) – Irish novelist, poet and literary critic (Ulysses and A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man).
- Judith Viorst (February 2, 1931) – Famous for relatable and humorous picture books for children (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day).
- Russell Hoban (February 4, 1925) – Creator of the beloved Frances series of picture books.
- Charles Dickens (February 7, 1812) – English novelist (A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist).
- Laura Ingalls Wilder (February 7, 1867) – American author of Little House on the Prairie.
- Jules Verne (February 8, 1828) – French author of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days.
- Mo Willems (February 11, 1968) – A modern favorite among young readers (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Elephant & Piggie series).
- Toni Morrison (February 18, 1931) – American novelist and Nobel Prize winner (Beloved).
Artists
- Norman Rockwell (February 3, 1894) – American painter known for The Saturday Evening Post covers.
- Grant Wood (February 13, 1891) – American artist (American Gothic).
Composers and musicians
- Felix Mendelssohn (February 3, 1809) – Composer known for the “Wedding March” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
- Bob Marley (February 6, 1945) – Jamaican singer, songwriter, and musician, iconic in reggae music.
- John Williams (February 8, 1932) – Renowned American composer and conductor, known for movie scores like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter.
- George Frideric Handel (February 23, 1685) – German composer known for operas, oratorios like “Messiah,” and concerti grossi.
- Gioachino Rossini (February 29, 1792) – Composer of “The Barber of Seville” and “William Tell.”
Politicians and world leaders
- Ronald Reagan (February 6, 1911) – 40th President of the United States.
- William Henry Harrison (February 9, 1773) – 9th President of the United States.
- Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809) – 16th President of the United States, leader during the Civil War.
- George Washington (February 22, 1732) – First President of the United States.
Other notable figures
- Rosa Parks (February 4, 1913) – Civil rights activist known for the Montgomery bus boycott.
- Thomas Edison (February 11, 1847) – American inventor of the light bulb and phonograph.
- Charles Darwin (February 12, 1809) – Naturalist who proposed the theory of evolution.
- Anna Pavlova (February 12, 1881) – Russian prima ballerina known for creating the role of The Dying Swan.
- Galileo Galilei (February 15, 1564) – Italian astronomer, physicist, and mathematician.
- Susan B. Anthony (February 15, 1820) – Women’s suffrage leader.
- Hank Aaron (February 5, 1934) – Considered one of the greatest baseball players in history.
- Frederick Douglass (February 1818, exact date unknown) – Abolitionist and author (Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass).
US state anniversaries
It can also be fun to celebrate the birthdays of US states as they joined the Union! Here are the states that became a part of United States of America in February.
- February 6, 1788 – Massachusetts became the 6th U.S. state.
- February 14, 1859 – Oregon became the 33rd U.S. state.
- February 14, 1912 – Arizona became the 48th U.S. state
Major historicial events in February
So many interesting events have happened throughout history in February. Use these topics to jump start deeper learning on history. And don’t worry, this list isn’t just the boring stuff you find in a history textbook!
Political and military
- February 2, 1848 – The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, adding much of the western U.S. territory.
- February 3, 1913 – The 16th Amendment ratified in the U.S. establishing the federal income tax system.
- February 10, 1763 – The Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Seven Years’ War, also known as the French and Indian War.
- February 11, 1990 – Nelson Mandela is released from prison after 27 years, signaling the beginning of the end for apartheid in South Africa.
- February 21, 1848 –Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published their influential political pamphlet, The Communist Manifesto.
- February 21, 1965 – Malcolm X was assassinated in New York.
- February 23, 1836 – The Battle of the Alamo begins, a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution.
- February 27, 1933 – Reichstag fire in Germany: a pivotal event used by Adolf Hitler to consolidate power in Nazi Germany.
Cultural and social
- February 1, 2003 – Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon re-entry, killing all seven astronauts onboard.
- February 9, 1964 – The Beatles’ first appearance on American TV, on The Ed Sullivan Show.
- February 12, 2001 –The Human Genome Project announced its first complete draft of the human genome.
- February 14, 1876 –Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray both filed patents for the telephone on the same day.
- February 15, 1946 –The world’s first general-purpose electronic computer, ENIAC, was introduced at the University of Pennsylvania.
- February 17, 1996 –IBM’s Deep Blue defeated Garry Kasparov in a single chess game, marking a milestone in artificial intelligence.
- February 18, 1930 –Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto at the Lowell Observatory in Arizona.
- February 19, 1878 – Thomas Edison patents the phonograph, the first device capable of both recording and reproducing sound.
- February 20, 1962 – John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth.
- February 22, 1997 –Scientists announced the successful cloning of Dolly, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell.
Technological
- February 4, 2004 –Mark Zuckerberg launched Facebook, which became one of the most significant social media platforms in history.
- February 12, 1909 –The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was formed.
- February 23, 1896: The Tootsie Roll was introduced in the United States, becoming the first individually wrapped candy and a cultural icon.
- February 25, 1964 –At just 22, Muhammad Ali (then Cassius Clay) defeated Sonny Liston for the world heavyweight title.
Booklists for February
One of our favorite ways to learn more about a topic in our house is through reading. Especially reading about historical topics! Here are some great books for the month of February. There are lists with picture books, chapter books, and even some bigger novels for older students.
All these books are either on themes from February and winter, written by someone with a February birthday, or are related to historical events that happened in February.
Note that these books, especially the chapter books and novels, may not be appropriate for all ages. So be sure to vet each book for your family.
Historical and biographical picture books
Picture books are great for all ages! Yep, even those teens! Spark some learning with one of these great historical picture books.
- Abe’s Honest Words by Doreen Rappaport
- Abraham Lincoln by Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire
- Back of the Bus by Aaron Reynolds
- Dear Mr. Washington by Lynn Cullen
- Fly High, John Glenn by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer
- George Washington’s Birthday by Margaret McNamara
- Heart on Fire: Susan B. Anthony Votes for President by Ann Malaspina
- Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
- I, Galileo by Bonnie Christensen
- John, Paul, George, and Ben by Lane Smith
- My People by Langston Hughes, illustrated by Charles R. Smith Jr.
- Rosa by Nikki Giovanni
- Starry Messenger by Peter Sís
- Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder
- That Is My Dream! by Langston Hughes
- Timeless Thomas by Gene Barretta
Winter and nature themed picture books
- Backyard Birds of Winter by Carol Lerner
- Before Morning by Joyce Sidman
- Brambly Hedge: Winter Story by Jill Barklem
- Building by Henry Cole
- Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
- Small Walt and Mo the Tow by Elizabeth Verdick
- Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle by Miranda Paul
- Winter Bees by Joyce Sidman
- Winter Days in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Winter Is the Warmest Season by Lauren Stringer
- Winter on the Farm by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Winter Trees by Carole Gerber
- Wintergarden by Janet Fox
Picture books about special days in February
- 12 Days of Mardi Gras by Melissa M. Williams
- Bear in Love by Daniel Pinkwater
- Dragon Dance by Joan Holub
![By Joan Holub Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year LTF: A Chinese New Year Lift-the-Flap Book (Lift-the-Flap, Puffin) (Ltf) [Paperback]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61WkKIeNEEL._SL500_.jpg)
- Duck for President by Doreen Cronin
- Gregory’s Shadow by Don Freeman
- Groundhog’s Day Off by Robb Pearlman
- Groundhog’s Dilemma by Kristen Remenar
- How to Catch a Dragon by Adam Wallace
- If I Ran for President by Catherine Stier
- Leap’s Day by Stephanie Bee Simmons
- Saint Valentine by Robert Sabuda
- So You Want to Be President? by Judith St. George
- Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli
- The Bourbon Street Band Is Back by Ed Shankman
- The Love Letter by Anika Aldamuy Denise
- The Runaway Beignet by Connie Morgan Wade
- The Runaway Wok by Ying Chang Compestine
- Two New Years by Richard Ho
General picture books for February
- Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
- Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban
- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems
- Elephant & Piggie series by Mo Willems
- Poetry for Young People: Langston Hughes edited by David Roessel and Arnold Rampersad
Chapter books and novels for February
Here are som great chapter books and novels to read in February.
Note that these chapter books and novels may not be appropriate for all ages. So be sure to evaluate them for your family.
- 1776 by David McCullough
- A Line in the Sand: The Alamo Diary of Lucinda Lawrence by Sherry Garland
- Alexander Graham Bell and the Telephone by Jennifer Fandel
- Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne
- Ashes by Kathryn Lasky
- Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
- Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
- Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson
- Edison’s Alley by Neal Shusterman and Eric Elfman
- George Washington’s Socks by Elvira Woodruff
- George Washington’s Spy by Elvira Woodruff
- Hidden Figures: Young Readers’ Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
- Lincoln and His Boys by Rosemary Wells
- Lincoln’s Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
- Pioneer Girl: The Annotated Autobiography by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Remember the Alamo by Robert Penn Warren
- The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick
- The Star Maker by Laurence Yep
- The Story of Thomas Alva Edison (Landmark Books) by Margaret Cousins
- The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis
- The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin
- Thomas Edison and the Lightbulb by Scott Welvaert
- Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
February nature study ideas
Wanting some science and nature study for February? Or want some fun ideas to help you get outside even though it’s cold? Try some of these fun learning ideas on nature topics.
- Grow a winter herb garden and observe how it grows over time.
- Go on a walk near a water source and talk about the water cycle
- Watch for winter birds and try to identify them.
- Study animal burrows and discuss how groundhogs “predict weather.”
- Create a model of a burrow or observe a local burrowing animal’s habitat.
- Study frozen ponds, icicles, or ice formations. Observe how water expands when it freezes.
- Freeze water with different objects in it to see how ice forms around them. Bonus: Be an “archaeologist” and excavate the objects out of the ice.
- Look for nests in bare trees and discuss how they were built and what type of animal lives there.
- Learn about how maple trees produce sap and the process of making maple syrup.
- Study how squirrels, deer, or other animals forage for food in winter.
- Set out food like cracked corn or nuts and observe wildlife interactions.
- Look for winter flowers like hellebores or snowdrops emerging from the cold ground.
- Learn about winter winds and how they shape the environment.
- Go on a walk and look for beaver dams.
- Examine and identify tree bark during the leafless season.
- Do bark rubbings using paper and crayons, then identify the trees.
- Go outside and view the winter constellations.
- Watch the sunset or sunrise together and discuss how winter days are shorter.
- Explore how shadows are created and discuss Groundhog Day traditions.
- If you live in a really cold area, blow bubbles outside and watch the ice crystals form.
February food ideas
Cooking and baking can be wonderful ways to get time with your kids. Not to mention it’s a great activity when it’s cold out. Here are some ideas of things to make in the kitchen with your kids.
- Use chocolate chips, bananas, and whipped cream to decorate pancakes to look like a groundhog’s face.
- Create heart-shaped pizzas. Let kids shape their own dough into hearts and add favorite toppings.
- Bake mini cherry hand pies or turnovers and learn about the legend of George Washington’s cherry tree.
- Make hot pretzels. Kids can roll and shape the dough into twists or hearts. Serve warm with cheese or cinnamon sugar dip.
- Decorate large cookies with white icing and chocolate chips to look like polar bear paws.
- Use cookie cutters to make heart-shaped sandwiches, cheese slices, or fruit.
- Add white chocolate and a few drops of red food coloring to create a pink hot chocolate.
- Make a warm, hearty soup using winter vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. Kids can help chop and stir.
- Pick your favorite US President and make their favorite food.
- Create snowman pancakes by stacking pancakes and decorating with chocolate chip eyes, a carrot nose (cut from a sweet potato or orange), and bacon or fruit scarves.
- Freeze fruit and juice in popsicle molds for a frosty treat.
- Use winter fruits like oranges, apples, and grapes for colorful fruit skewers.
- Bake a King Cake and hide a small figurine baby inside for Mardi Gras.
- Make colorful pancakes or cupcakes in green, gold, and purple to celebrate Mardi Gras.
- Celebrate Lunar New Year with dumplings, spring rolls, or other traditional foods.
- Prepare fortune cookies and write your own fortunes. Make paper fortune cookies here or try your hand at real fortune cookies.
Crafts and activities for February
Check out these fun crafts and activities to do with your kids. Some are great for younger kids, but several are perfect for older kids!
- Use paper and craft sticks to create groundhog shadow puppets and create a puppet show about Punxsutawney Phil.
- Create heart-shaped wreaths with twigs, vines, and dried flowers.
- Make pressed flower bookmarks or cards as Valentine’s gifts.
- Write nature-inspired Valentine’s messages or poems.
- Freeze colored water in trays to create ice blocks. Build sculptures and observe how ice melts over time.
- Be an “archaeologist” and excavate objects frozen in ice.
- Make pinwheels to study winter winds.
- Create a wind chime with natural materials like sticks and shells.
- Make simple rag dolls from scraps of fabric like they did in pioneer times.
- Create a simple light bulb in a mason jar.
- Dip or pour your own candles.
- Create a tin can lantern for your homemade candles.
- Create a list of winter nature items (pinecones, animal tracks, icicles, etc.) and head outside for a fun scavenger hunt.
- Experiment with different substances (salt, sugar, sand) to see which melts ice the fastest.
- Experiment with different liquids to see which freezest fastest.
- Create a Lent Jar for acts of kindness or sacrifices during the season.
- Create Mardi Gras masks with feathers and beads.
- Create a dancing Chinese dragon with paper rolls.
- Make paper lanterns to celebrate Lunar new year.
- Prepare fortune cookies and write your own fortunes. Make real fortune cookies or opt for a paper version first.
- Make flying Chinese paper lanterns.
Free printable list
February learning ideas
February is packed with opportunities for learning, and I hope this list has inspired curiosity and excitement in your homeschool! By diving into the historical events and interesting figures of the month, you can explore a wide range of topics and make meaningful connections. Add in some nature study, engaging books, and creative crafts, and your February homeschool plans will be full and enriching.
Wishing you a month of warm and rewarding learning adventures!
