It’s spring and all nature is beckoning you and your children to come out and watch the show. Perhaps there are birds building a nest in a tree or a birdhouse nearby.

Look for new flowers. The azaleas have been in bloom in my part of the country for the past couple of weeks. Other spring flowers have already gone, but new ones are showing their faces each day. And don’t overlook the tiny flowers in the grass. They may not be big and showy, but upon close inspection, they are some of the prettiest flowers around and can be found in yards in every neighborhood. This link offers some fun things to do with dandelions.

The new leaves are nearly full size, all fresh and new. It would be a great time to start a leaf collection by picking one or two from each different kind of tree. Press the leaves in a book for a couple of weeks so they will keep their nice green color. An old city telephone book would have the perfect kind of absorbent pages.

Keep your bird feeders and bird baths cleaned and full. You may only get a few glimpses of some birds if they are migrating back north, or you may see some of the new arrivals as they return home.

Plant a flower or vegetable garden, and give your child a row all his/her own. Start with seeds or plants. Pay attention to the requirements for sunlight or shade and the amount of water the plants need to maximize your potential for a successful garden. If you are a beginner, go to a local hardware store and ask for suggestions for plants that are the easiest to grow in your area.

Spring is an exciting time of the year. Share it with your children and encourage them to develop a deep love for nature. You won’t be disappointed if you are continually paying attention to what is happening around you. And your child will treasure the time you spend together in the great outdoors.

The Creation by Janice D. Green