This year on Groundhog Day, Wiarton Willie did not see his shadow. According to tradition, this means an early spring may be on the way. The children were excited to hear this news and began talking about what spring might bring: warmer weather, sunshine, melting snow, and new plant life beginning to grow.
This month, we began exploring the question: What does spring mean?
The children shared their ideas about what happens when the seasons change. Some talked about flowers growing, others mentioned trees getting leaves again, and many were excited about spending more time outdoors in the sunshine.
To help us explore these ideas, the children planted beans and peas in small cups so we could observe how plants begin to grow. Each child carefully added soil, placed their seed inside, and watered it. We discussed what plants need to grow: water, air, sun, dirt was some of the children’s responses.
During this activity, one child discovered an apple seed and decided they would like to plant it in their cup as well. Another child thoughtfully shared their thinking, explaining that it might be difficult for the apple seed to grow because it is a tree seed and trees need more space to grow. This moment sparked a wonderful conversation about different kinds of plants. The children began to think about how some plants stay small, while others grow very big, like trees. We wonder how tall the pea and bean plants will go, will one grow faster than the other?
Over the coming weeks, we will continue to observe our seeds, checking for sprouts and changes. The children are excited to see what happens and are beginning to understand that growth takes patience and care.
Through these experiences, the children are developing:
-Curiosity about the natural world
-Early science skills such as predicting, observing, and questioning
-Problem-solving and critical thinking
-Communication and sharing ideas with peers
As we wait for the signs of spring to appear outdoors, the children will continue to nurture their plants and deepen their understanding of how living things grow and change, and how the winter season changes to spring.
