Exploring the seasons can be educational as well as fun. Since most kids enjoy treasure hunting and treasure boxes, creating “Season Boxes” is a great project for learning.
Supplies
- Four small boxes with lids. Shoe boxes are the perfect size.
- Old magazines
- Glue
- Scissors
- Markers
- Colorful papers or wrapping paper
- Other art supplies such as paint, glitter and stickers
- Digital camera and photo printer (optional)
- Internet access (optional)
Making Season Lists
Help the kids brainstorm ideas for things that are associated with each season. Make a list for each season and keep it handy for reference. Older children may enjoy researching items that would be appropriate for different regions of the world. The lists can be stored in the season boxes.
Decorating and Filling the Boxes
Decorate each box with colored paper, markers, magazine cut-outs, stickers, etc. Try to have the outside of the box match the season. Don’t forget to write the name of each season on one box.
Have a scavenger hunt for seasonal items (or pictures) to place in each box. Use the magazines, stickers, and the back yard. Keep an eye out for items while on vacation, on the way to school, and visiting friends. Take pictures of items that are too big to fit in the box.
Tips for Things to Include
Appropriate seasonal items vary depending on what part of the world you’re in. Here are some suggestions appropriate for the Northeast portion of the United States:
Spring: flowers, bunnies, a red robin, earth worms, rain, rainbows, grass, Easter eggs, kites, budding trees, clovers
Summer: swimming pools, the sun, swimming pools, sand, campfires, seashells, sand castles, shorts, sunglasses, suntan lotion, ice cream, strawberries, fireworks, parades, marshmallows
Fall: acorns, colorful leaves, ears of corn, squirrels, school books, apples, pumpkins, ghosts, candy corn, squash/gourds, pies
Winter:snowflakes, snowmen, fires, mittens, hot chocolate, igloos, scarves, boots, shovels, Christmas trees, presents, Menorah, candles, Santa Claus, bare trees
Fun Things to Do With Season Boxes
Bingo – Create bingo cards for one of the seasons using items in the box.
Charades – Have a child pick one item from the box without looking and without showing anyone else. Without using sounds, the child should act out
Season Poetry – Without looking, each child should pick three or four items from the box and write a short poem using those items.
Scrapbook – Scan in the items from each box to use in digital scrapbooking projects.
Season Boxes are a fun and creative way to study language arts, science and social studies. Make sure to keep it low-pressure and playful, and kids will learn without even realizing it.
