Whether your children are home due to spring vacation, or you are simply looking to keep your preschooler entertained after school, it is no easy task to find activities that implement the Montessori Method, both encouraging their learning and engaging their attention. That is why we have put together a list of springtime activities to help with that task!
Some of these activities call for a prepared environment, while others can be done at a moment’s notice with materials you have around the house. All the activities listed, though, are guaranteed to be enjoyable and enriching for your preschooler no matter the time of year.
1. Seed Germination for Kids
This easy science activity illustrates what it means to plant and grow seeds for children, explaining what germination is in terms your preschooler can understand. This science activity is one that is fun, quick, and measurable, reinforcing many of the Montessori lessons your preschooler has learned in class. All you need is a glass jar, paper towels, water, and seeds!
The activity, shared by Sarah of How Wee Learn, includes downloadable germination trackers and, don’t worry, a brush-up lesson on germination for parents who may need it!
2. Spring Discovery Bottle
The spring sensory bottle is a creative way to get your preschooler observing and interacting with the nature around them and their environment. It is as simple as finding a clear water bottle! Have your child explore your back or front yard or a nearby park, collecting the things they find outside and creating a beautiful art project out of it.
Keep in mind there may be some plants your child should not handle, as they may be toxic or hazardous. Join them and be their second set of eyes in an adventure that will not only open your child’s eyes to the beauty around them but yours, too! For a more detailed look at what to include in your sensory bottle, check out Katie’s post on Preschool Inspirations.
3. Butterfly Printing
The Craft Train shares a simple, quick, and art fun project for your crafty preschoolers. Using a household sponge, a hair elastic, and paint, you can create beautiful butterfly prints with your little one, creating art and memories that will not fly away when spring does.
Allow your preschooler to get creative and experiment with different colors and patterns, creating butterfly art as unique as the artist.
4. Flower Ice
The Flower Ice activity is one that is easy on the eyes and on your preschooler’s other senses, too! This activity in sensory play does not require much preparation but provides hours of fun for your child. The first step is to collect flowers and other blossoms that catch your child’s eye. Then, after prepping and trimming your findings, help your child to freeze them in an ice cube or muffin tray. What comes next? Play!
Read along on The Craft Train for a step-by-step guide on prepping and freezing your flowers for an activity that will employ all of your preschooler’s senses.
5. Tissue Paper Stained Glass
Creating a stained glass art piece is made easy for your preschooler with Fun-A-Day’s craft project. This tutorial contains two possible ways to make this project, so you are able to choose what works best for you and your child. Using tissue paper, glue, and paintbrushes, your child will enjoy being creative and building this colorful and decorative project.
When this project is complete, you can hang them in your window and marvel with your preschooler at the colorful light that shines through it!
6. Bird Nest Treats
Creating delicious treats to feed to birds is a tried and true activity for children of all ages. This project puts a spin on that tradition, though, and allows you and your preschooler to make bird-inspired delights that you will want to eat! Using ingredients like butter, marshmallow, and rice crispies, these treats are sure to satisfy your preschooler’s sweet tooth.
These tasty snacks look like birds nests and are perfect for springtime, Easter, or any other time of year! Follow along with the recipe for a cute and sweet seasonal snack.
7. How to Make a Weather Vane
Spring weather is always changing, and with this simple science project, you and your child can observe and track the many fascinating changes of the season. This project is good for children in preschool, kindergarten, first, second and third grade because it provides an interactive way to learn about the weather.
You’ll use household materials like pencils, playdough, and cardstock to create a DIY weathervane, showing your preschooler how accessible learning and science can be! Follow along with the step-by-step instructions linked above to create a working weathervane with your child.
Watch your preschooler’s minds at work as they welcome spring with these educational and engaging activities.
The Montessori Children’s Center applies the educational philosophy and methods of Maria Montessori, M.D., a renowned Italian physician, and child educator. Our teaching method is based on the belief that each child is born into this world full of potential. It is our aim to help your child reach their greatest potential. Visit our blog to learn more about our method or reach out today to begin your journey with The Montessori Children’s Center.
