Signs of Spring

As we returned from Passover break, the kindergarten children were delighted by all the signs of spring we noticed outside. We discussed how the season of spring invites us to experience our world through our senses in so many wondrous ways. As we enjoyed some beautiful afternoons outside, we took time to notice just how we used our senses to appreciate the beautiful season of spring. The children recalled the signs of spring they saw: flowers, buds and green grass; they heard: birds chirping, and a lawn mower; they smelled: flowers and the cut grass; and they felt: hot from the warm sunshine! Using a photograph taken of some flowers on our playground for inspiration, the children then painted their own spring flower pictures.

As we continue to explore and experience spring through our senses, we are reading about a remarkable young woman who was unable to experience the world as we do: Helen Keller. As we read about Helen Keller, the children are filled with questions! “How did she learn if she could not see?” “Why could she not take medicine to make her better when she got sick?” “Why couldn’t she talk?” Each day as we read another chapter, the children are fascinated and inspired by her story.

We began our study of plants by examining seeds. After reading The Tiny Seed, by Eric Carle, I introduced the children to a variety of different seeds in glass jars. I provided the children with a list of the seeds that were in the jars, and as they carefully studied each jar, they tried to guess what type of seed it contained! I asked the children how they came to their conclusions. They responded, “Well, I know that’s corn, because it looks just like corn!” “I think that is watermelon because I eat watermelon and that looks like the seeds.” “That might be broccoli because it’s green!” After we guessed each jar of seeds, we checked our answers. We did pretty well! Please stop in our classroom and try for yourself!

From seed to seedling to plant, we recalled all we know about how a seed grows! We read together, Watch It Grow, by Barrie Watts and then created our own plants using various art materials. The children labeled their work from roots to flowers using invented spelling and some help from our word wall. Then we enjoyed planting some seeds of our own! We planted basil, peppers, tomatoes, peas and beans! We can’t wait to see them sprout!

Much to the delight of our children, we got an early start on the study of pond life, when our tadpole arrived. To introduce him to the class, we read, Tale of a Tadpole and From Tadpole to Frog. Then we got busy studying his appearance. Each child drew a picture of him, and wrote about what he or she saw. This was the start of our Frog Journals. The children then made a cover page for their new Frog Journal, and each day the children record their observations through pictures and writing. They were very excited to observe his legs growing, and a dark green belly emerging!

Life is full of anticipation, and the spring season tickles us with excitement as we look forward to all the beauty spring brings. It is during this glorious season, that we count the Omer, as we anticipate the holiday of Shavuot. Each day one child counts out the days to Shavuot using cubes, and then breaks those cubes up into “weeks” to determine how many weeks and days to Shavuot. That child then writes it out in a sentence to post it in our lobby where we as a school community we are counting the days to Shavuot! As we count the Omer with anticipation, we are reminded that Hashem wanted to give us the Torah, this incredible gift that is our guide to life. Each day is met with the anticipation of being one day closer to Shavuot and of the ever-blossoming world around us!