Nature Walk

LESSON 6

Children return to the location from the nature walk on day one to observe, document, and discuss any changes they notice.  

  • Drawings from the first nature walk.

  • Paper or nature journal

  • Crayons or colored pencils 

Materials

  • Gather materials.

Preparations

  • Guide children in reflecting on previous lessons by asking open-ended questions.

  • Lead children on a nature walk to document and compare changes over time, promoting observational skills and critical thinking.

  • Facilitate a discussion about seasonal changes observed during the nature walk.

  • Engage children in a reflective conversation about their favorite aspects of spring, nurturing emotional awareness and communication skills. 

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children reflect on their favorite story, activity, and new discoveries from previous lessons.

  • Children observe seasonal changes during a nature walk, comparing initial and final observations, developing critical thinking skills.

  • Children identify changes in temperature, sounds, plants, flowers, animals, and insects during the nature walk, enhancing their observational skills.

  • Children express their favorite aspects of spring, promoting communication and emotional awareness. 

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

Practice saying the poem “It is Spring” together with the actions you came up with.

It is Spring

By H. Henley

Down in the earth,

 In their dark winter bed,

“Someone is calling,”

The crocus said.

In colors bright,

They quickly dressed,

In lavender, purple,

And gold of the best.

Then out in the grass,

They dance in a ring,

And call to the children,

“Come out! It is spring!” 

Activity Flow

  • Which story did you enjoy the most?

  • What activity did you like best?

  • What new thing have you discovered?

  • How did the stories and activities make you feel?

  • Is there anything you're still curious about or want to learn more about?

  1. Start by reflecting on the previous lessons and what you've learned during this unit. Some questions you might ask:  

2. Revisit the story “When Spring Comes” and head out on another nature walk to the same locations visited during the first lesson, encouraging your child to bring along their drawings or nature journal from the initial walk. Observe and document any changes that have occurred in the past couple of weeks. Guide the children to notice changes such as trees transitioning from bare branches to blossoms or new leaves, the blooming of new flowers, the presence of new baby animals like ducks or birds and shifts in colors around them. By comparing seasonal changes, children engage in critical thinking and begin to understand the reasons behind them.

3. Have the children share their findings as they compare their initial and final nature walks. Conclude this unit by discussing how nature is always changing and moving through cycles. You can ask the following questions:  

  • What did you notice about the temperature outside?

  • Did you hear any new sounds?

  • Did you notice any changes to the trees or plants?

  • Did you notice any flowers?

  • Did you see any animals or insects?

  • What is your favorite thing about springtime?

  • How do you feel when you see flowers blooming and trees turning green again?

  • Is there anything you find surprising or interesting about the changes that happen in spring? 

4. Discuss your favorite parts of spring and what you are looking forward to the most.