Story Hour
Ages 4 – 8
Saturday, March 14th 1:00 – 2:00
Joins us for a few stories, some tasty treats and a take-away craft!
Spring 1 the week of April 6 – see website
Wednesdays 3:15 – 4:25
Thursdays 4 – 5:10
Sign-ups– hurry…spots can fill up quickly
Peach Pear Plum Camp! August 10 – 14
One week of brushing away the cobwebs!
Limited to six campers. Please email for enquiries.
The Newsletter
This piece was inspired by a wonderful nature-based program at the Ashley Academy. It also speaks from personal experience and witnessing the stark transition “springing forward” has on young leaners.
As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, school-aged children often experience a noticeable shift in energy, focus, and social behavior. Spring brings increased daylight, more opportunities for outdoor play, and even biological changes that can impact learning and daily routines. While this season is full of excitement and new growth, it can also pose challenges, such as restlessness in the classroom, seasonal allergies, and end-of-year academic pressures. Understanding how spring affects children—and implementing strategies to support them—can help parents and educators navigate this dynamic season successfully.
How Spring Affects School-Aged Children
- Increased Energy and Activity: The combination of warmer weather and longer daylight hours naturally boosts children’s energy levels. Many kids are eager to play outside, engage in physical activities, and soak in the sunshine. While this increased enthusiasm for movement is beneficial for their health, it can sometimes translate into restlessness in structured classroom settings.
- “Spring Fever” and Classroom Focus: The term spring fever refers to the heightened sense of excitement and restlessness that children often experience as winter transitions into spring. This can lead to decreased focus in school, making it harder for students to sit still, pay attention, and complete assignments. Teachers and parents may notice an increase in fidgeting, daydreaming, or a general eagerness to finish the school day and get outside.
- Social Engagement and Friendships: Spring encourages more outdoor activities, which naturally fosters social interaction. Children may become more engaged in playing with friends, forming stronger bonds, and participating in group activities. While this is great for social development, it can also lead to increased chatter in class and a heightened interest in socializing over academics.
- Growth Spurts and Physical Changes: Some research suggests that children may experience slight growth spurts in the spring due to increased sunlight exposure, better access to fresh produce, and higher activity levels. Parents may notice their child outgrowing shoes or needing extra nourishment to support this period of physical development.
- Seasonal Allergies and Health Challenges: The blooming flowers and trees bring an influx of pollen, triggering seasonal allergies in many children. Symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue can affect their ability to concentrate and participate in daily activities. Parents should be mindful of how allergies may impact their child’s mood and academic performance.
- End-of-Year Stress and Academic Pressures: As the school year comes to a close, students may face an increase in academic responsibilities, including standardized testing, final projects, and preparations for the next grade level. This added pressure can lead to stress and anxiety, making it essential for parents and teachers to provide support and reassurance.
How to Help Your Child Thrive During Spring
- Encourage Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of your child’s natural desire for movement by incorporating more outdoor play, walks, and sports into their daily routine. This helps burn off excess energy and improve focus when they return to structured tasks.
- Provide Structured Outlets for Energy: Enrolling your child in spring sports, clubs, or after-school activities can offer a productive way to channel their enthusiasm while maintaining structure and discipline.
- Adjust Homework Expectations: If your child seems particularly restless or distracted, consider modifying homework routines. Breaking assignments into smaller chunks or allowing short breaks can improve concentration.
- Communicate with Teachers: If you notice changes in your child’s focus or behavior, discuss concerns with their teacher. Educators may have strategies to help keep students engaged while accommodating their springtime energy levels.
- Manage Allergies Effectively: If your child struggles with seasonal allergies, consult a doctor to develop a plan that includes medications, allergy-proofing your home, and monitoring outdoor pollen levels. A well-managed allergy plan can significantly improve their comfort and school performance.
- Teach Stress-Relief Techniques: As end-of-year academic pressures rise, help your child develop stress-management skills such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and time management strategies. Encouraging a balanced schedule with relaxation time can ease anxiety.
Spring is a season of growth, energy, and excitement for children, but it also comes with unique challenges. By understanding how this season affects your school-aged child and implementing proactive strategies, you can help them stay engaged, focused, and stress-free.
*Fabulous Five*
Waiting for Wings Lois Ehlert is both a scientific and artistic stroll through the metamorphosis of a butterfly. The interactive pages make it quite appealing to young naturalists. Anything by this author is a non-fictional treat!
The Curious Garden by Peter Brown tells of Liam’s small discovery that inspires big changes in his very own neighborhood. There’s also a fun eye-spy component.
Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney is a tale of Alice, a restless young girl who later takes the advice for traveling the world from her boat master grandfather. Once she has seen the beauty elsewhere, she asks herself how she can make her immediate world a more beautiful place.
The Honeybee by Kirsten Hall is to be read as fast as a bee can fly, with a plethora of sound words that are sticky to the senses, just like honey. Its poetic prose is accurate and whimsically brings the reader through an entire cycle of a bee’s life.
A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long is a work of art, science and poetic facts. This book and the others grow with its readers and is a wealth of knowledge for the grown-ups in the room. An Egg is Quiet, A Shell is Cozy, A Rock is Livley, A Beetle is Shy, A Nest is Noisy, A Butterfly is Patient are the others I also cannot get enough of.
