And Then It’s Spring

Since we are celebrating Earth Day all week, I wanted to celebrate Spring. We will talk about the Earth and how we enjoy all of the seasons, including Spring!

• Read “And Then It's Spring” by Julie Fogliano … what a perfect spring story as the browns of winter patiently turn to the colors of spring!

• Read “Colors Everywhere” by Sam McBratney … Little and Big Nutbrown Hares pick out their favorite greens, yellow, reds and browns from the colors everywhere around them. I love the illustrations!

• Colorful scavenger hike … What a great idea from Family Fun.
  1. Color each section of an egg carton a different color (think outdoor springtime colors). Leave the lid attached.
  2. Take a hike or simply a walk around the neighborhood and enjoy all of the beautiful springtime colors.
  3. Challenge the kids to find natural souvenirs to match each color in their egg carton!
  4. OPTIONAL: I loved all the other suggestions for a hiking adventure from Family Fun:
     • Magnifying glass: take a closer look at veins on a leaf or bugs on a log.
     • Magnets: run a magnet in the dirt to see if little bits of iron stick to it.
     • Spray bottle: Spritz a spider web or a rock to see amazing changes.
     • Homemade Soil Slides: Cut a 1/2-inch square from the center of an index card. Cover the hole with clear sticky tape. Press the sticky side against the soil and examine the soil close up with a magnifying glass.

• Seasons Match … a wonderful, free printable from Montessori for Everyone. There are several ways to use these cards, this is what I plan to do…
  1. Print each of the seasonal cards (there is one page per season) here.
  2. Click on “Seasons & Clothing Matching”
  3. Cut the cards apart.
  4. Attach a piece of magnetic tape to the back of each card.
  5. Place the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter cards side-by-side on the front of the fridge.
  6. Scatter all of the other cards face-down on the living room floor.
  7. To Play:
     • The kids will choose a card on the floor, then run to the fridge and place it underneath the matching season.
     • Switch and take turns until all the cards are sorted.