Subject Area: Science, Language Arts

Book Summary
This beautifully illustrated book with simple rhyming text celebrates the wonders of springtime through the eyes of a little girl. The book includes a letter to families describing how they can help their child before, during, and after reading.

Objective
Children will engage in discussions about winter and spring and participate in art activities to gain an understanding of seasonal changes. They will also demonstrate an understanding of the story concept by retelling the story.

Before Reading
Show the children the book Spring Is Here by Mary Packard. Ask them to describe what comes to mind when they think about springtime. Record their responses on chart paper.

Teaching Plan

Changing Seasons Chart
Materials

• Large sheet of chart or mural paper
• Drawing paper
• Markers and crayons

Activity

1. Attach the paper to a wall area or table. Divide the paper into two sections. Label one section "winter" and the other section "spring." Reread the story Spring Is Here.
2. Ask the children to look at the illustrations in the story and describe the changes that occurred during springtime. Compare how the trees and the environment changed from the beginning of the book with the end of the book. What types of activities did the little girl and her family do now that it was springtime? Why couldn't they do those activities during wintertime? What types of clothing did the little girl wear in spring? Why didn't she need a hat and coat anymore?
3. Ask the children to remember how their environment looked during wintertime. Encourage them to think of temperature and weather conditions. Ask them to describe the different types of winter clothing they needed, activities they participated in, and types of foods they ate during winter. Record their comments on the paper in the area marked "winter."
4. Now ask them to describe how their environment changes during springtime. Ask them to think about the weather, clothing, activities, foods, plants, and animals. Record their responses in the area marked "spring." Review and compare their spring list with the book. What are the differences and similarities?
5. Provide each child with a sheet of drawing paper. Fold the paper in half to create two sections. Assist the children to label one section "winter' and the other section "spring." Ask them to create a winter drawing and a spring drawing that shows how things change from one season to another. Invite them to share their work with the class.

Other Books About Spring
Spring Song
by Barbara Seuling
Beautiful illustrations capture the special season when animals awaken to the wonderful changes of spring.

Spring Thaw
by Steven Schnur
The story and illustrations celebrate the beauty of the seasonal changes on a New England farm.

Poppleton in Spring
by Cynthia Rylant
Beginning readers will enjoy these three humorous springtime adventures featuring the beloved Poppleton the pig.

Other Books By Mary Packard
Fall Leaves
My Messy Room
I'm a Firefighter

Teaching plan written by Risa Young