April Showers: Teaching Your Child about the Changing Seasons Spring is in the air!

 As adults, we’re very familiar with this adage and its meaning. But for children, the concept of weather can

seem abstract and difficult to understand. For example, depending on his age, a young child may not fully grasp what the memorable rhyme teaches: “April showers bring May flowers!” Dr. Gloria Julius, vice president of education for Primrose Schools, explains that children need concrete examples to learn about a concept so “big.” “At Primrose Schools, our qualified teachers work to help children learn about weather through hands-on exercises and meaningful, real-world examples,” she says.

 Below are a few tips from our schools: Make it relatable.

 At Primrose Schools, each day begins with students and their puppet friend, “Benjamin,” taking a peek out the window to observe the weather. Then, the teacher and students discuss what that means. If it’s cold and windy, then they will need their coats before going outdoors. If it’s sunny, they may need their sun hats. By knowing how the weather relates to them, they can begin to understand what weather actually is. The Primrose Schools Mobile App helps teach about the weather by allowing little users to dress Benjamin Bear appropriately for the changing seasons. Does he need his snow gloves or rain boots? 

Sensory experiences make sense. Children learn best when they can see, touch, smell, hear and even taste something – and weather is no different. Have you noticed that the air smells differently just before or after a rain shower? When spring begins, can you hear the birds, wind and bees? Concrete examples like these help children understand that the weather changes and that it affects other parts of their world, too. How exciting!

Read all about it. In many parts of our country, weather changes throughout the seasons are less evident. If

you live in one of these areas – or even if you don’t – books can help open your child’s eyes to many different aspects of weather. Try Wake Up, It’s Spring! by Lisa Campbell Ernst, Mouse’s First Spring by Lauren Thompson, Like a Windy Day by Frank Asch & Devin Asch, or Little Cloud by Eric Carle.

 Teach him why it matters. If you can explain to a child the importance of weather safety, for example, he will begin to learn valuable life skills. Asking questions like, “What do we do in a thunder storm?,” “Why do we need to wear sunscreen?” or “How can we be careful around ice?” not only helps him be more prepared in the future when you’re not with him, but may also give him some added comfort during what can be unsettling weather situations. Just be careful not to frighten your child when teaching him about dangerous weather. Always let him know that these events are normal and that you will help him be safe in those situations. 

 Finally, try using some hands on activities! Check back on Friday for our Friday Home Fun post with weather related crafts and projects to continue learning about weather!