Free Printable - Signs of Spring in Nature - Montessori Nature Printables

As the winter frost begins to thaw and the first buds of green start to peek through the earth, we can’t help but feel the excitement of spring. With the changing of the seasons comes a world of new opportunities for learning and exploration, making it the perfect time to engage students with a free printable student booklet full of spring-themed activities. In this blog post, we will delve into the signs of spring, share ideas for preschool learning activities, and provide you with a free printable student booklet to kickstart your springtime adventures. Let’s embrace the signs of spring together and watch our students blossom into enthusiastic learners.

Signs of Spring in Nature

Spring is a season of renewal and transformation, and one of the most captivating aspects of this time of year is the signs of spring that emerge in nature. As the winter chill fades away, the natural world awakens with bursts of color, sound, and activity that indicate the arrival of spring. Here are some of the most enchanting signs of spring in nature:

Blooming Flowers: One of the most iconic signs of spring is the blooming of flowers. From daffodils and tulips to cherry blossoms and lilacs, the vibrant colors and sweet scents of spring flowers fill the air with beauty and joy. The sight of fields and gardens bursting with blossoms is a sure sign that spring has arrived.
Singing Birds: As the days grow longer and warmer, birds return from their winter hiatus and fill the air with melodious songs. The cheerful chirping of robins, sparrows, and finches is a delightful sound that signals the awakening of nature in springtime.
Budding Trees: As the temperatures rise, trees begin to sprout tiny buds that will soon burst into leaves. The green shoots that appear on branches are a visual reminder of the rebirth and regeneration that spring brings to the natural world.
Pollinating Insects: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects become more active in spring, buzzing from flower to flower and carrying pollen to fuel plant growth. The sight of these industrious creatures at work is a vital sign of the interconnectedness and vitality of springtime nature.
Longer Days: One of the most tangible signs of spring is the lengthening of daylight hours. As the sun rises earlier and sets later, the increased hours of sunlight provide plants with the energy they need to grow and thrive, filling the landscape with life and vigor.
Warmer Temperatures: After the cold days of winter, the gradual warming of temperatures in spring is a welcome change. The gentle warmth of the sun on our skin and the soft breezes that blow through the air are signs that nature is awakening from its winter slumber.
Baby Animals: Spring is a time of birth and renewal in the animal kingdom, with many species giving birth to their young during this season. The sight of baby birds, lambs, and other newborn animals frolicking in the fields is a heartwarming sign of the cycle of life continuing in springtime.

animals that hibernate montessori nature free printables pegs cards tracing print fall winter

The signs of spring in nature are a testament to the beauty, resilience, and vibrancy of the natural world. From the blooming flowers and singing birds to the budding trees and pollinating insects, these signs remind us of the cyclical nature of life and the promise of new beginnings that spring brings. As we observe and cherish these signs in nature, we can connect with the rhythms of the earth and celebrate the magic of springtime.

Exploring Signs of spring in nature – learning activities

Exploring the signs of spring in nature is a wonderful way for children to engage with the world around them and deepen their connection to the changing seasons. Here are some hands-on ideas and activities for children to explore the signs of spring in nature:

Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a spring-themed scavenger hunt for children to search for signs of spring in nature. Provide them with a list of items to find, such as blooming flowers, chirping birds, budding trees, and buzzing insects. Encourage children to use their senses to observe and identify these signs, and reward them with a small prize for completing the scavenger hunt.

Spring hands-on activities for preschool children poster.

Planting Seeds: Engage children in the planting process by having them plant seeds in a garden or pot. Let children choose their favorite flowers, herbs, or vegetables to plant, and teach them about the care and maintenance of their plants. This hands-on activity not only teaches children about plant growth but also instills in them a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the natural world.

Nature Journaling: Encourage children to keep a nature journal to document their observations of signs of spring in nature. Provide them with a notebook and colored pencils to sketch and write about the flowers, birds, insects, and other elements they encounter. Encourage children to record their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in their journal, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty of springtime.

Bird Watching: Set up a bird feeder in your backyard or at a local park and invite children to observe and identify the birds that visit. Provide them with binoculars and a bird identification guide to help them learn about different bird species. Encourage children to record their bird sightings in a notebook and discuss the behaviors and characteristics of each bird they observe.

A set of Montessori printable cards featuring pictures of birds and their nests, perfect for preschool children learning to read.

Nature Crafts: Create spring-themed crafts using natural materials found in the outdoors. Gather leaves, flowers, sticks, and rocks to make pressed flower art, leaf rubbings, nature collages, or bird feeders. Encourage children to use their creativity and imagination to transform these natural materials into beautiful works of art that celebrate the signs of spring in nature.

Nature Walks: Take children on nature walks to explore different habitats and discover signs of spring in the environment. Encourage them to observe and interact with the plants, animals, and elements they encounter, such as feeling the soft petals of flowers, listening to the songs of birds, and smelling the fragrant scents of blooming plants. Encourage children to ask questions, make observations, and share their discoveries with each other.

Garden Exploration: Visit a local botanical garden, park, or nature reserve to explore the diverse plant life and ecosystems that thrive in spring. Guide children on a tour of the garden, pointing out different flowers, trees, and shrubs that are in bloom. Encourage children to touch, smell, and observe the plants up close, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity about the natural world.

Incorporating spring-themed books into your curriculum is another great way to engage preschoolers in learning activities. Choose books that celebrate the signs of spring, such as “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle or “Spring is Here” by Will Hillenbrand. Read these books aloud to your students and encourage them to discuss the themes of growth, renewal, and change. You can also incorporate activities such as sequencing the events in the story, identifying the main characters, and discussing the moral or message of the book. This not only enhances literacy skills but also fosters a love of reading and storytelling in young learners.

By engaging in these hands-on activities, children can get up close and personal with the signs of spring in nature and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the changing seasons. Encourage children to explore, discover, and connect with the natural world around them, fostering a lifelong love of nature and a sense of stewardship for the environment.

Signs of Spring in nature free printable

You are invited to download this free spring printable that contains the Signs of Spring in Nature poster, matching cards, coloring pages, cards, and children’s books.

To make your springtime adventures even more exciting, we have created a free printable student booklet full of spring-themed activities for preschoolers. This booklet includes picture cards and student booklets reinforcing key concepts related to the signs of spring. Whether you use this booklet as a standalone resource or as a supplement to your existing curriculum, it is sure to spark creativity and curiosity in your young learners

This resource will inspire your young learners ages 3-6 to observe changes that take place in the natural environment.

Subjects and uses in the classroom: Spring, Nature Table, Science Centers, Fine motor, Prewriting

Here is what’s included

Signs of spring in nature color poster
Signs of spring in nature black and white poster
Student booklet (color)
Student booklet (black and white)
Student booklet independent writing

recommendations

Gather nonfiction children’s books about spring for children to explore.

Use these natural materials to kick start a group conversation about different signs of spring the children have observed outdoors already.

Gather nature objects like flower blooms and fresh leaves to use along with the cards for your nature corner.

I always keep in mind that learning needs can be different in multi-age classrooms. Hence this printable contains a poster and matching cards you can use with younger children for matching.

Older children can be invited to make My Book of Signs of Spring in Nature. Color cards can be printed twice for a memory game or for 3-part card activity. They also will be a lovely addition to your Nature Table display.