Spring is a wonderful season in early years settings. Longer days, new growth and plenty of outdoor opportunities make it the perfect time to refresh activities and spark children’s curiosity. For supply staff stepping into different nurseries each week, having a bank of simple, low‑prep ideas can make all the difference.
These spring‑inspired activities can be delivered confidently in any setting with minimal resources.
1. Nature Colour Hunt
Take children outside with colour cards or simple paper swatches. Encourage them to find natural items that match each colour – leaves, petals, stones, grass.
Why it works: It promotes observation skills, vocabulary building and early categorisation. It’s also a brilliant way for supply staff to engage children outdoors without needing specialist materials.
2. Spring Sensory Tray
Fill a tray with spring‑themed items: flowers, scoops, shredded paper “grass,” small animal figures, or natural materials collected from the garden.
Why it works: Sensory play supports emotional regulation and imaginative exploration. It’s easy to adapt based on what the setting already has available.
3. Planting Seeds in Clear Cups
Using clear plastic cups, cotton wool and fast‑germinating seeds (like cress or beans), children can watch roots and shoots grow day by day.
Why it works: It introduces early science concepts and encourages responsibility as children help water their seeds. Supply staff can set this up quickly and leave clear instructions for ongoing care.
4. Spring Story Basket
Choose a spring‑themed book (e.g., “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” or “What the Ladybird Heard”) and gather simple props: toy animals, felt leaves, fruit pictures or puppets.
Why it works: Story baskets support language development and help temporary staff deliver engaging story sessions even in unfamiliar rooms.
5. Weather Watchers Chart
Create a simple daily weather chart using pictures of sun, rain, clouds and wind. Children can take turns choosing the day’s weather and talking about what they see outside.
Why it works: It builds routine, encourages turn‑taking and introduces early data handling in a playful way.
6. Spring Movement Game
Call out spring‑themed actions: “Hop like a bunny,” “Flutter like a butterfly,” “Grow like a flower,” “Wiggle like a worm.”
Why it works: It supports gross motor skills and gives supply staff an easy, energetic activity that works indoors or outdoors.
7. Loose Parts Flower Building
Use buttons, bottle tops, sticks, pom‑poms, and paper shapes to let children design their own flowers.
Why it works: Loose parts encourage creativity, problem‑solving and fine motor development. It’s also a great way to use existing resources in any nursery.
Supporting Quality Practice Across Every Setting
For supply staff, stepping into a new environment can be exciting and sometimes a little daunting. Having a toolkit of simple, meaningful activities helps build confidence and ensures children receive consistent, high‑quality experiences, no matter who is leading the session.
At KiddyKare, we’re proud to work with childcare practitioners who bring creativity, warmth and professionalism to every setting they support. Spring is the perfect time to celebrate that energy and inspire new learning opportunities for the children in your care.
Author: Jodi Walden
