Activities for Changing Seasons

Posted by Susan Hyde Feb 29, 2008

The sun is shining and the icicles are dripping their last drops. Now is the time to create lesson plans that celebrate the arrival of spring!

Books About Spring

Picture books about spring invite students to think about weather changes. Here are a few of my favorite titles:

• Hurray for Spring! by Patricia Hubbel (Northword Books for Young Readers, 2005)
• It's Spring by Linda Glaser (Millbrook Press, 2002)
• Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schnur (Clarion Books, 1999)
• That's What Happens When It's Spring by Ellen W. Good (Good Books, 1996)
• When Spring Comes by Robert Maas (Henry Holt & Co., 1996)

Spring Writing Activities

After reading a book about spring, ask students to do their own writing. For instance, after reading Spring: An Alphabet Acrostic, students might enjoy making their own colorfully illustrated acrostic books or posters.

Writing garden poetry is another fun way to bring the spring changes into the classroom. Encourage students to use vivid imagery to capture the beauty of spring renewal.

Science of Seasons

• In spring everything is new again. When spring rains bring earthworms to the surface of the play yard, collect them for a spring composting lesson!
• Spring is also an ideal time to plant gardens, make a sun dial or study the parts of a flower.

Easter Math Lessons and Other Holiday Activities

• Celebrate the Irish with yummy recipes on St. Patrick's Day
• Easter isn't only for bunnies. Use Jellybeans to teach students about graphing.
• Study the Celtic origins of May day, and make Maypoles to mark the beginning of spring.
• Don't forget mom! Use your the class compost for planting flowers to use as gifts on Mother's Day.

Best of all, spring brings in warm weather for outdoor lessons. Reading, writing and math are all more fun when they are brought outside.