Signs of Spring

LESSON 1

Children explore signs of spring through a story and then look for those signs during a nature walk. 

  • Paper or nature journal

  • Crayons 

Materials

  • Familiarize yourself with the book “When Spring Comes”.

  • Gather materials. 

Preparations

  • Read “When Spring Comes to the Children”

  • Discuss the various changes that happen when Spring comes and list them.

  • Foster language development by introducing Spring vocabulary that might be new to the children.

  • Encourage nature observation as children look for signs of spring during a nature walk.  

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children learn about the signs of Spring.

  • Children discuss the changes the earth makes when Spring comes and list them.

  • Children develop observational skills by identifying signs of Spring during a nature walk.

  • Children practice fine motor skills as they draw the signs of spring, they observed on their nature walk.  

Objectives for Children

Collect and Connect

Spring is Coming  

Spring is coming, spring is coming,  

Birdies build your nests, 

Weave together straw and feathers, 

Doing each your best.  

 

Spring is coming, spring is coming, 

Flowers are coming too, 

Pansies, lilies, daffodillies, 

Now are coming through. 

 

Spring is coming, spring is coming, 

All around is fair, 

Shimmer, glimmer, on the meadow, 

Joy is everywhere! 

Activity Flow

  1. Begin this lesson by introducing the story “When Spring Comes” by Kevin Henkes. Ask your child if they know what spring is. Explain that spring is the season that comes after winter when the earth starts to warm up again. The earth gives us little clues that spring is coming. This book will help us learn what those clues are. As you read, encourage your child to listen for what those clues are.  

  2. After the story, come up with a list of signs of spring. For example: 

  • Buds or blossoms

  • Melting snow

  • Green Grass

  • Birds building nests

  • Seed sprouts

  • Rain

  • Mud (the earth softening)

  • Tulips, daffodils (bulb flowers)

  • Insects (bees, butterflies, ladybugs, etc.)

3. Tell your child that you're going outside for a nature walk to search for signs of spring. Choose a location where you can return at the end of the unit to observe changes over time. Encourage children to observe specific features like trees, flower beds, grass fields, animals (such as ducks or geese), and gardens so they can easily notice changes when they return. While on your nature walk, collect a handful of rocks or stones to use in the next lesson.

4. When you return from your nature walk, use paper or a nature journal and crayons to draw the signs of spring you observed. As you draw, end the lesson by discussing some open-ended questions: 

  • How do you imagine trees will look when spring comes?

  • What do you think will happen to plants such as grass and flowers?

  • How do you think you'll need to dress to play outside during this new season?

  • What outdoor activities are you excited to do once spring comes?