Today is the beginning of spring and it is my favorite time of the year. Trees are blooming, birds are singing, and school is wrapping up. I hope you and your child(ren) get a great number of opportunities to be outdoors experiencing the wonder of all that is taking place. Here are some ideas for teaching:

Go on a nature walk. Look for signs of spring; sketch plants; identify wildflowers, birds.

Go to the zoo or a farm. Going to where there are animals, and especially where your child can see baby animals. It is a great hands-on biology experience for everyone. What better way to discuss the life cycle than seeing it in person?

Enjoy the rain. The expression, “April showers bring May flowers” is especially true here in Ohio. So, if it is just a shower, with no lightning, why not let your child don on a raincoat, boots, and an umbrella? They can enjoy hearing the sounds of the water hitting the umbrella, can jump in water puddles, make mud pies, add food coloring to water puddles, blow bubbles on the sidewalk, grass, car, etc.

Plant a garden. It’s so rewarding to watch the seeds sprout and plants begin to grow. Your student can draw pictures of the various stages of plant development as well as take on some responsibility. They can water and weed the garden, and help with harvesting throughout the growing season.

Have a great week! ~Lisa~