Some of the most iconic images of spring involve children dressed in raincoats while splashing in puddles, picking beautiful pastel blossoms in nature, or even flying kites in a local park. A child’s simple appreciation for this seasonal change can help the adults in her life realize just how special spring is. The Gardner School has collected some of our favorite activities that families can do together to celebrate the season’s arrival. We hope you and your little ones can take some time to make the most of this season of all things new!
1. Go on a bulb-spotting walk.
Flowering bulbs—such as crocuses, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths—are some of the first visuals of an early spring. Crocuses are often the first to emerge, sometimes shooting up in the middle of a snowbank. Daffodils aren’t far behind, waving their yellow cups even before the temperature rises. For kids who have been stuck inside because of winter weather, a bulb walk is a great way to anticipate the coming of spring. When they have a mission, little ones have eagle eyes, and they will spot the tiny sprouts even before you do. If you’re able, have your children plant bulbs around your house in the fall. When they flower in the spring, kids will start to understand how the seasons relate to the life cycles of plants.
2. Keep your eyes peeled for baby animals.
Spring sees the arrival of baby rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, and birds. Although these new animals may not be great news for your vegetable garden, they can be fun to spot and observe with your little ones. Children can understand that they are growing bigger and stronger by the day. And, watching a small animal grow in size and strength can help drive home basic concepts about biology and maturation.
3. Pick up a new book to celebrate spring.
There are so many stories about spring that kids just love to read. A few of our favorites focus on growing plants, spring rains, and caring for the earth. When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes is a great introduction to what happens in springtime. The pastel illustrations are perfect for depicting new spring blossoms. Henkes has four books, each dedicated to a different season. Because of An Acorn by Lola M. Schaefer follows the path of a single acorn, helping kids understand how the seasons connect to plant growth.
4. Visit a nearby botanical garden.
Many cities have world-class gardens where horticulturists carefully plan out a smorgasbord of seasonal blooms. The Gardner School has locations near Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo in Minneapolis, Chicago Botanic Garden, Waterfront Botanical Gardens in Louisville, United States Botanic Garden in D.C., Denver Botanic Gardens, and many more. Plant identification signs can help kids understand the diversity of natural life in their very own town.
5. Take a trip to a farmers’ market or start a spring garden.
Depending on where you’re located, early spring can mean the arrival of the first veggies of the year, including sweet, crunchy lettuces, asparagus, leeks, green onions, and peas. Kids can track how produce changes from spring to summer and when berries and stone fruits start appearing. Or, start a small garden of your own with herbs, lettuces, and tomatoes. Little ones love to pick and eat food they’ve grown by hand, and tasks like weeding and planting will help connect them to the earth.
Helping Kids Grow In Every Single Season
Through winter, spring, summer, and fall, all the activities that make up a child’s day at The Gardner School are built to engage little minds in learning more about the world around them. Contact us today to learn more, or check out our virtual tours at The Gardner School nearest you. You’ll soon see why parents choose The Gardner School for engaging, hands-on learning for their preschoolers.