Creative Learning Preschool, Inc, Linwood, NJ 08221

Category: Spring

Bloom Into Books: 5 Books For Spring

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Spring is officially here! Get your little ones excited for the change of season with a spring-themed book! We’ve picked out five of our many favorite books about Spring! Swing by your local library or favorite bookstore to check them out!

 

The Hidden Rainbow: A Springtime Book For Kids

Great for preschoolers & kindergartners!

One little bee peeks out on a world of gray and snow.

She’s looking for bright colors and needs you to help them grow.

Bees need a healthy and colorful garden to survive. Luckily, all the colors of the rainbow are hidden in this garden—but the bees need the reader’s help to find them. Brush off the camellia tree, tickle the tulips, and even blow a kiss to the lilac tree. With every action and turn of the page, a flower blooms and more bees are drawn to the feast. 

 

Don’t Touch that Flower!

Great for toddlers & preschoolers!

“Hello brand new day.

Hello sunshine!

Hello lovely leaves.

Nice to see you back.”

Spring is here and today a flower has sprung to life. But when Squirrel becomes too protective of it, Bird shows Squirrel the right way to let flowers blossom and grow.

 

Spring is…

Great for toddlers, preschoolers, & kindergarteners!

Spring is here, bringing sunshine, rainbows, and the first blooms of the season! Say goodbye to winter and hello to gardens full of flowers, Easter fun, and the joy of spring fever. It’s the perfect time to cherish the magic of the season, read together, and celebrate.

Just like summer’s adventures, fall’s cozy colors, and winter’s frosty magic, spring has its own special charm.

This cheerful rhyming book invites families and little ones to enjoy the beauty of spring together.

 

Spring Sings

Great for toddlers & preschoolers!

Spring is singing once again . . . and award-winning recording artist Ellie Holcomb knows that we’re all invited to sing along! For Eastertime or anytime, her joyous celebration encourages us to delight in God’s gifts and to realize that each bird and bloom is a reminder that His love can make all things new.

 

 

Meet March

Great for toddlers, preschoolers, & kindergarteners!

Meet March! The Calendar Kids return again on an adventure to find springtime!

March is ready for winter to come to an end. He is tired of the browns and grays of winter. A late winter freeze comes and freezes all the plants, including March’s hair! The freeze is so cold, even his pet guinea pig, Goldie, goes into hiding. March loves color. He loves springtime. Will March and his friends spot the first signs of spring?

Exploring Spring: A Nature Walk Guide for Preschool Parents

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As spring unfolds its beauty, there’s no better time to take your preschooler on a nature walk. Exploring the wonders of nature not only fosters a love for the outdoors but also provides valuable learning experiences. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make the most of your spring nature walk with your little ones.

Preparation is Key

Before heading out, ensure you’re prepared. Pack essentials like water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes. Consider bringing a small backpack for collecting treasures along the way, such as leaves, flowers, or interesting rocks.

Choose the Right Spot

Select a nature trail, park, or garden suitable for young children. Look for places with easy trails, accessible restrooms, and safe surroundings. Local botanical gardens, nature reserves, or even libraries often offer guided tours or children’s programs during spring, which can enhance the experience.

Things to Look for and Explore

Flowers in Bloom

Encourage your child to spot different flowers and discuss their colors, shapes, and scents. Teach them the names of common spring flowers like daisies, tulips, and daffodils.

Bird Watching

Listen for birdsong and try to identify different bird species. Bring along binoculars for a closer look. Discuss bird behaviors, such as nesting and feeding, and observe any nests or birdhouses along the way.

Insects and Bugs

Search for butterflies, ladybugs, bees, and other insects. Talk about their roles in nature, such as pollination, and observe their habitats, like flowers or trees.

Trees and Plants

Point out budding trees, new leaves, and spring growth. Discuss the life cycle of plants and how they change with the seasons. Look for signs of new growth, like baby leaves or blossoms.

Pond or Stream Exploration

If your nature walk includes a water feature, take time to observe aquatic life such as fish, frogs, or turtles. Talk about the importance of clean water and how it supports wildlife.

Animal Tracks and Signs

Look for animal tracks, nests, burrows, or other signs of wildlife activity. Discuss the animals that live in the area and their habitats.

Engage All Senses

Encourage sensory exploration during the walk. Let your child touch different textures, smell flowers and leaves, listen to nature sounds, and observe closely using their eyes. Use descriptive language to enhance their sensory experience.

Safety Tips

  • Stay on designated paths and watch out for uneven terrain.
  • Teach children about respecting wildlife and not disturbing plants or animals.
  • Apply insect repellent and check yourselves for ticks after your work.
  • Keep an eye on weather conditions and be prepared for changes.

Post-Walk Activities

After the nature walk, extend the learning with related activities at home. Create nature journals to draw or write about their discoveries, plant seeds from the walk, print related coloring sheets, or craft nature-inspired artworks using collected materials.

Spring Sensory Play: Engaging the Senses with Seasonal Materials

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Spring is here and with the season comes a variety of beautiful sights, colors, and scents! Introduce your children to the wonders of Spring through spring-themed sensory play activities! Sensory play is a great way to engage your child’s senses, improve their motor skills, and encourage exploration. In this blog, we’ll give you five ideas for sensory activities that utilize Spring themes and materials!

Flower Petal Sensory Bin

Dive into the vibrant colors and fragrant aromas of spring with a flower petal sensory bin. Fill a large container with fresh flower petals collected from the garden or local florist. Let children explore the soft textures, vibrant hues, and delicate scents as they engage their senses in this immersive sensory experience.

Rainstick Craft

Embrace the soothing sound of raindrops with a DIY rainstick craft. Gather cardboard tubes, dried beans, and decorative materials such as stickers, markers, and ribbons. Encourage children to decorate their tubes before filling them with beans and sealing the ends. As they tilt the rainsticks back and forth, they’ll be mesmerized by the calming sound of rainfall.

Spring-Scented Playdough

Whip up a batch of homemade playdough or slime infused with the fresh scents of spring. Experiment with natural ingredients like lavender, lemon, or mint to create sensory-rich playdough that engages both the olfactory and tactile senses. Add flower petals or herbs for an extra sensory surprise!

Rain Cloud Science Experiment

Explore the science behind spring showers with a rain cloud in a jar experiment. Fill a clear jar with water, then add shaving cream to create a “cloud” on top. Using droppers or pipettes, drip blue food coloring onto the shaving cream cloud. As the “rain” falls through the cloud and into the water, children will observe the process of precipitation in action.

Spring-themed Sensory Bottles

Spark curiosity with spring-themed sensory bottles filled with captivating materials. Fill clear plastic bottles with items such as colored rice, flower petals, sequins, and small toys. Seal the bottles tightly and let children shake, twist, and turn them to explore the fascinating sights and sounds within.

Outdoor Activity Ideas for Springtime

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As the temperature begins to warm and flowers start to bloom, spring presents the perfect opportunity to take preschoolers outdoors for some fun and exploration. Outdoor play not only promotes physical health but also fosters creativity, imagination, and a connection with nature. With spring just around the corner, here are seven exciting outdoor play ideas for you and your preschooler!

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items commonly found in your local environment such as pinecones, flowers, rocks, or different types of leaves. Give your child a basket or bag and encourage them to explore the outdoor space to find and collect the items on the list. This activity not only encourages observation skills but also teaches children about the natural world around them.

Sensory Garden

Set up a sensory garden area with various plants and flowers that children can touch, smell, and even taste. Include plants with different textures, scents, and colors to stimulate their senses. Let the children explore the garden freely, encouraging them to describe what they see, feel, and smell.

Outdoor Art Station

Provide easels, paintbrushes, non-toxic paints, and large sheets of paper for your child to unleash their creativity outdoors. Encourage them to paint the blooming flowers, buzzing bees, or chirping birds they see around them. This activity allows children to express themselves artistically while enjoying the fresh air.

DIY Bubble Station

Set up a bubble station with homemade bubble solution and a variety of bubble wands. Let children experiment with different shapes and sizes of bubbles, chasing them around and trying to catch them. This activity promotes gross motor skills and endless giggles!

Water Play

On warm spring days, nothing beats the joy of water play. Set up a water table or provide buckets, cups, and watering cans for children to splash, pour, and explore. Add toys like rubber ducks or plastic boats to enhance the play experience. Water play not only keeps children cool but also fosters sensory exploration and cooperative play.

DIY Nature Crafts

Gather natural materials such as leaves, sticks, flowers, and rocks, and invite children to use their creativity to make nature-inspired crafts. They can create leaf rubbings, stick sculptures, flower crowns, or rock paintings. Encourage them to let their imaginations run wild as they transform these materials into works of art.

Outdoor Storytime

Set up a cozy outdoor reading nook with blankets, cushions, and a selection of great books. Sit with your child and read stories about spring, nature, or outdoor adventures. Turn it into a family activity by making snacks and having a picnic while you read!

Spring Into Reading: 6 Books About Springtime

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Springtime is right around the corner! Get your little ones excited for the change of season with a spring-themed book! We’ve picked out six of our many favorite books about Spring! Swing by your local library or favorite bookstore to check them out! 

 

Busy Spring: Nature Wakes Up

Great for preschoolers & kindergarteners!

In this uplifting picture book about spring, follow two children and their father through their backyard as they discover all the different ways nature wakes up from its long winter sleep.

Spot the busy creatures and plants as the tale unfolds, then learn about how each responds to the increasing daylight and warmth that usher in the season.

 

 

Shake a Leg, Egg!

Great for toddlers, preschoolers, & kindergarteners!

It’s springtime, and the pond is bursting with new life. There are beaver pups, heron hatchlings, and lots and lots of ducklings. Everyone is out and about, swimming, flapping, chirping, and quacking—except for one family of geese. When, oh when, will their last little one break on out and join the waiting world?

 

 

 

Grow Happy

Great for preschoolers & kindergarteners!

Kiko is a gardener. She takes care of her garden with seeds, soil, water, and sunshine. In Grow Happy, Kiko also demonstrates how she cultivates happiness, just like she does in her garden. Using positive psychology and choice theory, this book shows children that they have the tools to nurture their own happiness and live resiliently. Just as Kiko possesses the resources needed—seeds, soil, water—to build a thriving garden, she also has the tools to nurture her own happiness—including social support, choices, and problem-solving skills.

 

 

 

Nature Stories: Little Raindrop

Great for babies & toddlers!

Ever wondered where rain comes from? Join the captivating journey of a little raindrop as it travels from the sky, through the earth, and back again in Nature Stories: Little Raindrop. With vibrant illustrations that come alive with every turn of the page, this book provides an accessible exploration of water’s natural cycle

 

 

 

Little Blue Truck’s Springtime

Great for babies & toddlers!

Beep! Beep! Little Blue Truck is out for a ride with his good friend Toad. The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming—it’s a beautiful spring day! Who will they see along the way?

 

 

 

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

Great for preschoolers & kindergarteners!

As days stretch longer, animals creep out from their warm dens, and green begins to grow again, everyone knows―spring is on its way!

Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.

Spring Is In The Air

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Spring is officially here! As the weather starts to warm up and the world comes back to life your restless kiddos are probably ready to get back to playing outside until the sun goes down. In honor of the beginning of spring, we have a few fun activities for outside and inside to get you and your family ready for the spring sunshine!

Get Creative! – Crafts are a great activity that will have your little ones excited for spring even while sitting at the kitchen table! Crafts are not only fun but can help your little ones’ cognitive development. Check out Easy Peasy and Fun for a great list of fun ideas!

Go Outside! – Today is National Take a Walk in a Park Day! So what better way to enjoy the beautiful weather and shake off the winter cold than to go for a walk in the park! Mommy Poppins has a list of some of the most exciting playgrounds in the state! Or check out Visit NJ for a list of some of the amazing national and state parks we have right here in New Jersey!

Get Cooking! – Another great activity is to make some spring themed food! Parade has a great list of spring themed foods and snacks that are not only fun to make and eat, but also delicious and nutritious! Maybe you can make a few of these treats and take the family out for a picnic!

Celebrate Nature! – Today we celebrate Earth Hour from 8:30 – 9:30 pm where we can set down our electronics and really connect with nature! Maybe celebrate by reading a book by candle light or relaxing in your backyard. If 8:30 is a little too late for you and your little ones, try finding a different time today to feel connected to nature!

We hope you spend this lovely spring day enjoying time with your family whether it’s in the kitchen or walking through a state park! As always, click share on the side of the blog to tell your friends and family about these fun spring activities and let us know in the comments which ones you gave a try today!

Unique Spring Activities

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Spring is here and summer is quickly approaching! Your days are probably starting to fill with bike rides, walks to the park, and trips to the beach. But if you’re looking for a little variety in your warm weather activities and want your little ones to learn some more about nature and the world around them, we have the perfect activities for you! Thanks to aokyouth.orgwe have some unique, and thought provoking spring and summer activities!

  1. Create a scavenger hunt! A fun way to help little ones learn about all of the amazing changes that happen from winter to spring to summer is to create a scavenger hunt. Come up with different things they should look out for in nature and then make your own scavenger hunt sheet!
  2. Do a floral science experiment! Fill a few mason jars with water. Put a few drops of different food coloring into each jar. Then get some white flowers and place them, petals first into the jars. Your children can watch as the petals absorb the colors, then afterwards, you have a fun flower arrangement to display!
  3. Recycle Playdoh lids! If you have lots of lids without containers lying around use hot glue or cut a hole into the lid to hang a string from it. Then, coat the lid in peanut butter and roll it in birdseed. It’s a great way to repurpose some plastic and bring more birds into your yard for your little ones to watch and learn about!
  4. Growing beans! A super cool experiment that will let your children see how things grow, is growing beans in a glass jar with moist cotton balls. The beginning stages of the beans’ growth can be seen without the obstruction of soil which really allows your children to see how a bean sprouts! You can click hereto see a full explanation of the experiment.
  5. Create a small garden! Take a corner of your yard or a windowsill if you have less space, and create a small garden! Plant low maintenance flowers, fruits, and vegetables if you are first time gardeners. Get your little ones involved in planting and watering so they can learn how plants grow!

If you liked these activity ideas check out the full article for more ideas just like these! As always leave us some comments and click share on the side of the blog to show your friends and family these fun ideas!

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