Location: Park, Yard, Garden, Forest, Neighborhood
Time: 5-25 min
Feature: No Materials, No Prep

Activity

Introduce young children to the crocus flower, an early bloomer that comes in a variety of bright colors, including yellow, purple, pink, and white. These tiny, nice-smelling flowers lure bees out of winter hives and provide pollinators with food. Walk around your neighborhood and count the crocuses you find. Record how many you see! What other early bloomers do you notice?

Materials

A soft blanket or towel may make this activity more comfortable, but you can also do this without any materials. For recording observations, a nature journal and writing or coloring utensils are helpful.  

Skill Building

This activity builds skills in observation, self-regulation, attention, awareness of the natural world, and empathy for local wildlife.