Signs of Spring

Curriculum Area

Science – Understanding the World (Early Years Foundation Stage, EYFS)

• ELG: The Natural World: Children will explore the natural world around them, making observations about seasonal changes.

Lesson Objective

By the end of this lesson, children will:

• Recognise key signs of spring.
• Observe changes in plants and the weather.
• Participate in a simple science experiment demonstrating plant growth.

Resources Needed

• Small clear cups or pots
• Cotton wool
• Cress seeds
• Small watering can or spray bottle with water
• Springtime nature pictures (flowers blooming, baby animals, trees with new leaves)
• Soft toy animals (lamb, rabbit, chick)

Lesson Breakdown (15 minutes)

1. Introduction – What is Spring? (3 minutes)

• Gather children on the carpet and show pictures of different seasons.
• Ask: "What do you notice about these pictures? What looks different in spring?"
• Show pictures of daffodils, baby animals, and trees with fresh green leaves.
• Use soft toy animals to engage students in identifying common baby animals born in spring.
• Summarise: "Spring is when things start to grow, and we see lots of changes in nature!"

2. Mini Experiment – Magic Growing Seeds! (7 minutes)

• Gather children around a table for a simple plant-growing experiment.
• Give each child a small cup or pot with cotton wool inside.
• Ask: "What do we need to help seeds grow?" (Encourage responses like water, sunlight, warmth).
• Demonstrate sprinkling cress seeds onto the cotton wool and gently watering them.
• Explain: "These tiny seeds will start to grow just like plants in spring!"
• Place cups in a sunny spot and discuss how they will check their seeds each day.

3. Quick Springtime Game – Act It Out! (3 minutes)

• Stand up and play a Springtime Action Game.
• Say: "If you're a tiny seed, curl up in a ball. When you feel the warm sun, slowly grow like a sprouting flower!"
• Other actions: Flap like a baby bird, hop like a rabbit, stretch arms like tree branches growing leaves.

4. Recap and Reflection (2 minutes)

• Ask: "What are some signs of spring we learned about today?"
• Have children check the sky or trees outside: "Can we see any signs of spring right now?"
• End with excitement: "Next time, we'll check how our seeds have grown!"

Assessment Opportunities

• Observe children’s responses and engagement in discussions.
• Listen for key vocabulary (spring, grow, sun, water, seeds).
• Check understanding by asking children to explain why their seeds need water and light.

Extension Ideas

• Take a short outdoor walk to look for real signs of spring.
• Read a spring-themed storybook (e.g., The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle).
• Continue daily observations of growing cress seeds and record changes with simple drawings.

A fun, hands-on science lesson to celebrate spring while meeting EYFS learning goals! 🌱🌞