[Emily Blunt]

we have planted flowers that bloom and change with each season, we also have some vegetables and fruits .

[Sheila Tanchoco]

I would definitely pick out mini plants or seeds that children can choose and take care off throughout the entire year. I would also provide different tools to interact with like mini shovels, watering pails, buckets, and gloves.

[carrie]

Fall-explore leaves…compare size, shape, color, etc. Make leaf rubbings in art center. Books about fall…leaves, apples, etc. Rakes outside to rake leaves into a pile and jump in them. Measure and weigh acorns, how many leaves tall they are (laying down)

Winter-explore snow…bring snow inside. Explore what happens when we leave snow inside. Paint a snowman with ice cubes in art. Books about snow, winter, cold, etc. Add color to snow…what happens. Put winter clothes in the dramatic play center to help them learn to put on boots, hats, mittens and zip coats. Add an ice skating rink for them to skate on with their winter clothes. (clear shower curtain, fake snow and paper plates to glide on)

Spring-explore plants/flowers. Add dirt or dried black beans to sensory table with little planter pots, shovels, rakes, fake flowers and a few bugs. Paint with carnations. Add real flowers and seeds to discovery center to compare, measure, observe, add life cycle of a flower poster, etc. Books about planting, flowers, seeds, and things that grow. In dramatic play center add brown paper to floor to create a “garden”, have vegetables that you would plant in the garden for them to pretend to plant, water sprayers, watering cans, rakes, shovels, and a flower shop environment (fake flowers, plastic vases, money, cash registrar, etc

[Shannon]

I would create a small area in our classroom where we could plant different seeds in pots and have the materials to care for them on the shelf with the potted seeds. We could make it part of our day to take time to care for our plants and watch things grow through out the year.

[Yolanda lee]

A fairy garden would be a great addition for the nature center with a little magic. Children can take care of the plants as the same time they can also watch what the “fairies” are up to. With a little imagination with the recoycled material made houses and furniture. Fairy garden can me a lot of fun.

[Shalesa]

Having seasonal edibles plants in a home made greenhouse would be a fun activity. Students can have weekly tasks to water and report changes to the class and the students can even eat their hard work and explain that things like cabbage or cucumbers can only grown during certain times of the year. Small water ecosystems can be added with organisms so students can watch underwater plants thrive in a terrarium or water garden. Using left over drinking water collection cans or rain water collection can will explain while some places that do not have ready water can find new ways to keep plants alive with what they have.

[Pam]

We have fall leaves, pine cones, and pumpkins during the fall. In the spring we have flowers to care for, and plant seed in little cups. Winter we have cotton balls for snow, we have black paper and white crayons for drawing snow pictures (we live in Florida) We do bring in sticks, trig’s for playing and building creativity

[gretchen Bucsko]

We could have a sensory bin that has a seasonal element such as leaves or snow or potting soil or sand etc.

[Morgan]

We have a large campus with a ton of trees. A few are apple trees. I would love to have the kids learn about the life cycle of apple trees and we could observe the trees throughout the seasons and see which process is happening at that time of year.

[Katrina]

If the cost wasn’t an issue, I’d have a huge bay window that overlooked a large outdoor area that had a few trees and a grassy area. We would use that window to observe what goes on each season. I live in Washington state so we get all four seasons for the most part. We’d also go out and explore the area as often as possible, having discussions not only about what we see but also what we need to wear.

[Erika Buchholz]

Sensory activities for each season

Examples: Fall-baggies/sensory bin of leaves with different colors, shapes. Let the children have a feel for each and teacher can have a discussion about fall and how leaves change. Have books and pictures presentable for them to read about it on their own

Winter: Bring in snow from outside in a bin and have the children feel for them. Invite them outside to touch the snow and discuss winter fun activities such as building snow people, etc

The same can be done for spring (flowers). Summer: Sand, Beach theme. Have a nautical theme as well

[Haley Darrell]

We would have multiple baskets of nature items collected during the season that is available for use. We would also have books that go along with the season, magnifying glasses, and scientific measuring tools to assess weight, appearance, and length. Students would also have the chance to create artwork from the materials that are there, using free expression and writing skill development.

[Mariam]

By incorporating elements like a seasonal garden, indoor exhibits showcasing the unique features of each season, and activities that encourage exploration and discovery.

[Brian]

With our one year olds we add different natural objects to our existing centers. A variety of gourds in the fall. Snow in the sensory tub during winter. Viewing terrariums with insects at times throughout the year. We also collect sticks, cones, and rocks for use in art.

[Trainer]

Great ideas, Brian! Incorporating seasonal natural objects enhances sensory experiences and fosters curiosity in young learners.

[Brianna Marino]

I would set up a nature center that changes with the seasons. For Fall, this might look like orange leaves and pumpkins in a sensory bin. Winter, fake snow with snowmen and snowflake letters hiding around the snow. Spring, kinetic sand dirt with fake mini flowers, rakes and garden tools.

[Trainer]

Great ideas, Brianna! Your seasonal themes and sensory elements will create an engaging and immersive experience for learners.