Spring has sprung! The days are getting longer, the bluebonnets are blooming, and renewed energy is in the air. It's the perfect time to get your young preschoolers outside and explore the wonders of nature. But how can you make these explorations engaging and educational? Here at Lakewood Montessori School, we believe in fostering a love of learning through hands-on experiences. So, let's dive into some fun montessori spring activities that will keep your little ones curious and engaged this spring and throughout the summer!
Montessori Spring Activity 1: Nature Scavenger Hunt:
Turn your everyday walk into an exciting adventure with a nature scavenger hunt! Create a list of springtime treasures for your child to find, like different colored leaves, different types of flowers, or interesting rocks. This encourages observation skills and teaches them about the diverse life around them. Exploring the great outdoors and looking for items we are thankful for in nature is another wonderful way to incorporate feelings of gratitude in your scavenger hunt. Click the link to get a free Gratitude Nature Scavenger Hunt printable.
Montessori Spring Activity 2: Planting Power:
Spring is the ideal time to plant a seed and witness the magic of growth firsthand. Head to your local nursery and pick out age-appropriate plants or seeds. An herb garden is the perfect idea for this type of activity. Let your child help with the planting process, from choosing the pot to filling it with soil and carefully placing the seed. As the weeks go by, nurture the plant together and observe its progress. This fosters a sense of responsibility and teaches valuable lessons about plant life.
Montessori Spring Activity 3: The Wonderful World of Worms:
Worms may seem like slimy creatures, but they play a vital role in our ecosystem! Create a simple worm habitat using a clear container (a 2-liter bottle or half-gallon glass jar with a lid will do), some soil, newspaper, a spray bottle, and a spade or shovel. Observe the worms' movement and how they interact with their environment. Talk to your kids about why worms are essential to soil health, such as how they aerate the soil, consume food waste and yard scraps, and replace precious nutrients.
Montessori Spring Activity 4: Sensory Springtime:
Spring offers a feast for the senses! Take a walk in the park and encourage your child to focus on the sights, sounds, smells, and textures around them. Can they feel the warmth of the sun on their skin? Hear the buzzing of bees? Smell the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers? Engage their senses and discuss the elements that make spring a significant season of beauty and wonder.
Montessori Spring Activity 5: Springtime Art Attack!
Collect some of your springtime treasures – leaves, flowers, twigs – and turn them into vibrant works of art! Use them to create collages, press flowers into homemade bookmarks, or arrange them into a beautiful nature mandala. There are so many great craft projects to do with your kids because there are many different but straightforward parts! Art exploration allows for creativity and helps children uniquely connect with nature.
Remember, the key is to make it fun! Getting your little one outside to discover the world around them is all about fostering curiosity and a love of learning. Incorporating these engaging activities into your springtime routine will give your child a rich learning experience that will stay with them long after the flowers have faded.
Lakewood Montessori: Where Exploration Takes Flight!
At Lakewood Montessori, we believe in the power of hands-on learning and exploration throughout the year. Our classrooms are designed to spark curiosity and give children the tools to become independent and confident learners. If you want to learn more about our Montessori programs for children ages 18 months to 6 years old, contact us today to schedule a tour!