How to Connect Spring to the EYFS Curriculum
, by Chris Duthie, 3 min reading time
The lighter nights and milder days are sure signs that Spring at last is on the way. With growth and new life, it is full of learning opportunities we can use to inspire children in the Early Years and beyond. Although the weather in Spring can still be unpredictable, we can pull on our wellies, pop on a waterproof and get ready to embrace those sudden showers and gusty winds.
Let's think about how the change in season can be used as part of the curriculum to instil a sense of awe and wonder and promote aspects of development.
Language Development
Exploring spring-related themes such as baby animals, flowers and plants and seasonal weather changes all give rise to opportunities to bring in new vocabulary. Spring provides a foundation for conversations as children notice changes in the world around them, which adults can support through sustained shared thinking.
Understanding the World
Learning about spring introduces children to the concept of seasons and helps them understand the changes that occur in nature. This fosters an appreciation for the environment and a sense of wonder about the world around them. Have a go at building a sensory garden, a bug hotel or create a wild space where children can observe nature. As children come together for activities like this, it builds relationships and a sense of achievement. Every week, you could photograph the special space you have created, noticing the changes and adding to it based on the children's ideas.
Physical Development
Although many settings now offer free flow so that children are able to access the outdoors in all weathers, some children may be reluctant to brave the cold and rain, preferring to stay indoors. Milder weather and sunny days can be more appealing and, as children head outdoors, exploring the spring environment offers experiences which promote physical development. They might be using tools to plant seeds and flowers, go on spring nature walks or scavenger hunts or be engaging in large scale mark making. These are all great activities for building strength, coordination, and dexterity.
Scientific Enquiry
Have a go at investigating spring phenomena like plant growth, animal behaviours, and weather patterns. This encourages children to develop basic scientific skills such as observation, prediction, and experimentation. They learn to ask questions, make hypotheses, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Try making rain gauges, grow grass heads, create wormeries or home made greenhouses.
Expressive Arts and Design
Spring can nurture a sense of creativity in children (and adults!). There are a wealth of amazing picture books with a spring theme including ......... Pair them with small world set ups for children to retell the stories or make up their own narratives. Spring can also inspire some wonderful arts based activities such as observational paintings, Easter pictures or blossom painting. Remember that the process of getting creative is where the learning is rather than the end product.
Mathematical Concepts
Exploring concepts such as patterns, measurement (e.g., tracking plant growth), and counting (e.g., counting petals on flowers) within the context of spring activities helps children develop early mathematical skills in a meaningful and engaging way. Why not try planting a runner bean seed in a jar and watch it grow, measuring it day by day? Cress planting is another idea, counting the days until it's ready to eat.
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Spring weather can brighten our moods as the sunlight can top up our Vitamin D, something lacking over Winter. Being outdoors offers a larger, less inhibited space to play where children feel more free without the constraints of the indoors. Play can be louder, messier, bigger and more exploratory. With this comes social interaction as children play collaboratively, building friendships which foster a sense of belonging.
Overall, incorporating spring-themed activities into the EYFS curriculum provides a holistic approach to learning that supports children's development across multiple areas while also appealing to their natural drive to explore and be curious. It helps to develop a sense of awe and wonder as children make connections to the natural world.