Well, almost, after this freezing, cold, snowy winter I can only hope to bring spring closer by thinking of it. I still see loads of snow (I can’t believe how high the mountains still are), but the forecast has some warm days coming up.
There are so many great things to do in the spring. The outdoors become a new land after being covered up all winter. Here are some ideas to try when heading outside with your little ones as well as some fun things to do in the house.
Nature Hunt — With little ones, grab a bucket and go looking for pine cones, rocks, branches, leaves, etc. All of these finds can be put into a bin in the house for them to explore. Add magnifying glasses for a closer look.
With pre-writing kids (aged 2+) write a list using words and pictures so that they can put the letters to words. Give them a list on a clipboard, a pencil and a bag. Have them collect and cross off all kinds of fun things they can spot in the spring such as worms, bugs, pine cones, leaves, feathers, birds, branches, and rocks. They will love being in charge of their list and their search.
Muddy puddles — What kid doesn’t love running through puddles at high speed? Let them go wild, walk around the neighbourhood finding the smallest puddles, biggest puddles, deepest puddle, muddiest puddle and enjoy! P.S., moms and dads, it can be absolutely therapeutic for you to join in for the jumping and running, go wild.
Mud pies — Crack out the play kitchen dishes (or real life baking sheets and pans and spoons) and let them at it. They can play for hours making meals for anyone. Add some sticks, grass and rocks to amp up the possibilities.
Shadows — I’ve found some really neat shadow activities. Outside, they can draw your shadow, a toy’s shadow, a car’s shadow using chalk on the pavement. Indoors, they can sit at a table in front of a window and trace small animals or other toys onto paper. It’s really quite neat to see the perfect reflection shining through a window. It’s also fun to try and step on each others’ shadows while going for a walk.
Bringing spring time into the house
Spring time sensory bins — Okay, I’m not going to lie I’m a huge fan of sensory bins. When I was teaching, my favourite thing to plan for was the sensory bin. In my own house I use a plastic litter box and change out the contents frequently.
It always amazes me how my children will further my thinking on their own. What I thought they would do is never what the end up doing. So interesting to watch.
Some spring ideas
A planting we will go. Add some dirt, plastic flowers, flowerpots and small shovels (you can use spoons). If you would prefer not to use dirt you can substitute with dry black beans. You can add some worms to make it more realistic. This sensory bin is a perfect addition to any sand box or outdoor play area when summer arrives.
Water play — On a rainy day you can put a little bit of water with some food coloring in the bin, add some mini strainers, funnels, spoons, cups and measuring cups for a super fun sensory experience. Keep towels close by for a quick clean up.
Anything dry I use in my sensory bin gets reused. When you change it to something else simply put the beans, rice, corn, pasta in a large Ziploc and store it in a cupboard for the next use. It’s amazing how long these products will be used.
Flowers and fairies — This one is so fun. Fill your bin with coloured rice, some silk flower petals, confetti and small fairy figurines. The kids can make new homes for the fairies, bury the fairies, save the fairies, really whatever they can come up with.
Easter — Easter grass, plastic eggs and little fuzzy chicks are a huge hit. Make sure to pull the grass apart before and remember a little bit of the grass goes a long way. If you can find mini baskets you can add those to the bin also.
Making bird feeders — It’s exciting to listen for the birds coming home, and spotting them in trees at this time of year. Why not make a simple bird feeder together and watch the food disappear.
There are tons of great ideas online, http://happyhooligans.ca/32-homemade-bird-feeders/. This site is a great place to start. They have 32 kid friendly ideas.
Growing beans — Get a head start on your garden, indoors. Grow a it in a cup.
There are five simple steps to this science project and it looks so fun. We are going to try it. Find the steps and pictures here, http://www.great-grubclub.com/grow-a-bean-plant#.WMXp9va4now.
I hope these ideas are of some use to you and your family. I am desperate to get outside and get some beautiful rays of sunshine, so fingers crossed that the warmer weather starts reappearing soon.
By Shelley Heaphy
