Pretty Snowdrops...

On my recent wanders with the dog i love seeing the pretty Snowdrops popping up in the fields, woodlands and farm tracks around where we live. I even have a few sprouting in my back garden. Such a pretty sight, i love the sea of white and green and the detail in their centre if you look closely. 

Snowdrops are a sign of a new year and new beginnings. They are sometimes referred to as the 'flower of hope' as they appear so early in the year.

So, what could we do in our Early Years setting to spark interest or follow an interest in Snowdrops?....

• Set up an interest table or add them to your nature shelf if you have one in your setting
• Go on a woodland walk and count how many you can find
• Add flower books to your shelves
• Explore the season and the time of year snowdrops appear
• Which one is the smallest.. tallest.. measure the snowdrops you find 
• Use the petals and parts in flower potions or ingredients in the mud kitchen
• Bring some indoors put them in a glass of water for observational art
• Go outdoors with art materials for observational art
• Sound out the letters in the word 'Snowdrop', how many items can you find that begin with the same sounds
• Make some green and white playdough to create your own snowdrops
• Make snowdrops with various art materials
• How many items can you spot that are white or green - go on a scavenger hunt
• Explore the colour green or white through your resources. Maybe create treasure baskets of objects of these colours
• Make up a story or song about snowdrops see what the children can come up with

Just a few ideas, I'm sure the children can think of many more wonderful things to do with Snowdrops ! 

I think its so important that children get to learn about nature and the environment they live in. They should be able to recognise types of flowers, trees, bugs, animals. Connecting with nature is a must for children today and we need to encourage it in anyway we can.

The whole Early Years Curriculum could be spent exploring the 'Seasons' alone... think how wonderful that would be for both children and staff !