Spring and Easter

Overview

This 20-minute session introduces nursery children (ages 3-4) to the concepts of Spring and Easter through sensory, exploratory, and storytelling activities. Aligned with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework, the focus is on "Understanding the World" to develop children’s curiosity about the natural world and cultural celebrations, fostering observation and discussion skills.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, children will be able to:

• Recognise signs of Spring through sensory exploration and observation.
• Understand basic concepts around the Easter celebration as a cultural event.
• Use simple language to describe changes they observe in nature.
• Engage with natural materials and Easter-related objects to explore textures and colours.

EYFS Reference:

• Understanding the World: The Natural World – Children know about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects, materials and living things. (EYFS Framework 2021, Section 3.2)
• Understanding the World: Past and Present – Children talk about the lives of people around them and their roles in society. (EYFS Framework 2021, Section 3.2)

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Resources Needed

• Real spring items: leaves, twigs, buds, flowers, grass
• Plastic or chocolate Easter eggs of different colours
• Storybook about Spring or Easter (age-appropriate and culturally inclusive)
• Sensory tray or basket
• Large colourful poster showing Spring scenes and Easter symbols (e.g., lamb, chicks, flowers, eggs)
• Simple instruments (e.g., tambourine, rainmaker) for a rhythmic song

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Lesson Structure

1. Welcome and Introduction (3 minutes)

• Gather children in a circle. Use the colourful Spring/Easter poster to introduce the topic.
• Say: “Today, we are going to learn about Spring. Spring is when flowers start to bloom, baby animals are born, and it’s Easter time!”
• Show some natural Spring items and Easter eggs, encouraging verbal guesses about what they are.

2. Sensory Exploration (6 minutes)

• Children explore the sensory tray/basket with Spring items and Easter eggs.
• Encourage touching, smelling, and observing colours and textures.
• Ask open questions: “What does this leaf feel like? Is it soft or hard? What colour are the eggs?”
• Adults to model descriptive language, e.g., “The flower is pink and feels smooth.”

3. Story Time – Spring/Easter Theme (5 minutes)

• Read an engaging, simple story about Spring and/or Easter (e.g., about chicks hatching or lambs in the field).
• Use expressive voices and show pictures.
• Pause to ask questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” and “Have you seen baby animals like this before?”

4. Rhythmic Song and Movement (4 minutes)

• Sing a simple Spring/Easter-related song (e.g., “Spring is Here” or an Easter bunny song) with clapping or instruments.
• Encourage children to move like baby animals (hop like bunnies, flap like chicks).
• This aids memory, gross motor skills, and reinforces vocabulary.

5. Recap and Reflection (2 minutes)

• Gather the children together again and ask:
  • “What signs of Spring did we see today?”
  • “Can you name an animal or thing we talked about?”
• Praise participation and curiosity.
• Encourage children to share if they have seen any signs of Spring at home.

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Assessment and Differentiation

Formative Assessment

• Observe children’s ability to use new vocabulary related to Spring and Easter.
• Note their engagement and responses to questions during sensory exploration and story time.
• Listen for attempts to describe textures, colours, and objects.

Differentiation

• For children who need more support: Provide one-on-one assistance during sensory activities; use simpler language and more modelling.
• For more able children: Ask prompting questions to encourage deeper thinking, e.g., “Why do you think baby animals are born in Spring?” and encourage group sharing.

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Extension and Home Links

• Send a brief note to parents suggesting a simple Spring walk with their child to look for signs of Spring in their garden or local park.
• Suggest parents share and discuss any family Easter traditions, reinforcing cultural understanding.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Did children show curiosity and enjoyment in exploring natural materials?
• How effectively did children use new vocabulary in context?
• Were the story and song inclusive and engaging for all learners?
• Plan to revisit seasonal changes throughout the year to build understanding progressively.

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By creatively combining sensory play, storytelling, and music, this session builds foundations for children’s understanding of the natural world and cultural celebrations, fully aligned with the EYFS framework’s goals for this age group.