The seasons each offer their own unique nature markers. Compare the seasons, look at the life cycle of frogs, and do frog activities.
Signs of seasons
Take the children on a nature walk in the yard or to a nearby park. Look for signs of a new season. Here are some things to look for in spring, summer, fall, and winter:
Spring
- Buds on trees or bushes
- Snow melting
- Birds building nests
- Robins looking for worms to eat
- Spring bulbs poking up
- Frog eggs in pond water
Summer
- Warmer weather
- Green grass
- Lots of flowers blooming
- Lots of birds
- Fruits and vegetables in gardens
- Rainbows during rain showers
Fall
- Leaves change color
- Leaves fall from trees
- Cooler weather
- Acorns and pine cones fall on the ground
- Squirrels gathering seeds and nuts
- Some birds migrate south
Winter
- Cold weather
- Snowy days
- Icicles
- Some animals hibernate
- Outdoor plants wilt and turn brown
- Shorter days
What am I?
What you need:
- Picture of an animal, person, or object (can be from a magazine)
- Ruler, pencil, scissors
- Folder, large envelope, or bag
What to do:
- Cut the picture into one-inch strips.
- Place the strips in the folder or envelope.
- Children can choose an envelope, take out one strip at a time, and try to guess what the picture is.
- When the picture is put together, the child or children can see what the picture is.
Life cycle (metamorphosis) of frogs
If you have a source for frog's eggs, place some in an aquarium filled with water from where you found the eggs. Add some stones to make the habitat more natural. The children can check every day to see if there are changes in the eggs. Eventually the eggs will change into tadpoles. What excitement as the children watch this process!
Once the tadpoles emerge, take them back to the place you found the eggs, so they can safely continue their process of becoming frogs.
If you do not a source for frog's eggs, use photos of the stages instead. Teach the children about all the stages of the life cycle (metamorphosis) of a frog. Teach them to say the word. It's a big, impressive word. Talk about what they saw in the aquarium or pictures. Provide toy frogs, so the children can see the final stage in the life cycle of the frog. Ask the children about changes they saw. Have them make drawings of what they saw.
Frog drawings
What you need:
- White drawing paper
- Markers, crayons, pencils
What to do:
- Give each child a sheet of white drawing paper.
- Ask children to draw a frog's egg, a tadpole, and a frog.
- Write children's comments about the life cycle of the frog on the drawing.
Five little speckled frogs
The children can pretend they are frogs while chanting this poem. They can have fun doing exaggerated motions and pretending to jump into the pool with great splashes.
Five little speckled frogs sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum yum!
One jumped into the pool, where it was nice and cool
Then there were four green speckled frogs.
Four little speckled frogs sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum yum!
One jumped into the pool, where it was nice and cool
Then there were three green speckled frogs.
Three little speckled frogs sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum yum!
One jumped into the pool, where it was nice and cool
Then there were two green speckled frogs.
Two little speckled frogs sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum yum!
One jumped into the pool, where it was nice and cool
Then there was one green speckled frog.
One little speckled frog sat on a speckled log
Eating some most delicious bugs. Yum yum!
She jumped into the pool, where it was nice and cool
Then there were no green speckled frogs!
Where are all the frogs? They're all in the pool!
CAUTION: Young children can choke on small objects and toy parts. All items used for children under three years of age and any children who put toys in their mouths should be at least 1¼ inch in diameter and between 1 inch and 2¼ inches in length. Oval balls and toys should be at least 1¾ inch in diameter. Toys should meet federal small parts standards. Any toys or games labeled as unsuitable for children under three should not be used.
Other items that pose a safety risk and should not be accessible to children under three include, but are not limited to: button batteries, magnets, plastic bags, styrofoam objects, coins, balloons, latex gloves, and glitter.
Activities 11-4
