Are you looking for some Spring children’s books to use in your classroom that includes literacy extension activities? This list may be just what you are looking for!
Spring is such a special season and is filled with some exciting literacy experiences to explore. You may have had the opportunity to read some of these spring books already, but hopefully some will be a new adventure for you and your kids. Whether you love the spring season or not, try these engaging books and some of the extension activities suggested.
1. It’s Spring! by Linda Glaser
An ode to nature, this is the second book in a series of seasonal titles. In simple language the changes of nature brought on by spring is described. The unique paper sculptured illustrations convey the animals, plants, weather, and feelings associated with the season of spring.
Literacy Extensions:
- Spring Word Bank
- “Spring Senses” Student Booklet
- Tissue Paper Kite Art Project
- Spring Build a Word Game
2. Spring is Here! By Heidi Pross Gray
This book about how the spring season ties family and nature together. It makes you feel excited about spring! The word is discovered as it wakes from winter. The flowers blossoms, the animals begin to roam, and nature comes alive during the beautiful season of spring!
Literacy Extensions:
- “In the Spring” Classroom Book
- “I See Spring” Student Booklet
- Venn Diagram Comparing Spring and Winter
- Spring Build a Two Addend Number Sentence
3. And Then It’s Spring by Julie Fogliano
A tender story of the anticipation of spring this story is a Caldecott Medal winner. It is beautifully brought to life by the distinctive illustrations.
Following a snow-filled winter, a young boy and his dog decide that they have had enough of all the brown. To solve this problem, they decide to plant a garden. They dig, they plant, they wait and wait until at last a sign that spring is finally on its way.
Literacy Extensions:
- Classroom Book: “Spring”
- Student Booklet: “I See Spring”
- Spring Counting: How Many Raindrops BOOM Cards
- My Spring Story: Student Worksheets
4. Everything Spring by Jill Esbaum
Surround yourself with everything that is Spring with the beautiful photograph in this book. The photographs allow children to see, hear, and feel the warmth of springtime by learning all about baby animals that come out to play.
When we think of spring, we feel the warmer sunny days, smell the freshness of new flowers and we see the new life of baby animals. Spring is about being outdoors and enjoying and exploring our wonderful planet.
Literacy Extensions:
- Spring Literature List
- Spring Story Parts: Student Worksheet
- Spring Roll I! Read It! Short Vowels
- Umbrella Paper Plate Project
5. Hello, Spring! By Shelley Rotner
When winter ends, spring begins! The days get longer, and the air gets warmer. Trees and flowers bloom and animals have their babies. Spring is the perfect time to have fun! Children will love this lyrical yet simple introduction to the wondrous surprises brought by spring.
The bright nature photographs of this book will have young readers bursting with excitement for the season of Spring! The photographs offer a diverse portrait of children interacting with nature.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Spring” Student Booklet
- Spring Story Sequencing Student Worksheet
- Patrick’s Day Art Project
- Spring Number & Ten Frames
6. Finding Spring by Carin Berger
A baby bear cub named Maurice is curious about spring—and he’s upset when Mama tells him that before he can experience his first spring, he must hibernate through his first winter!
But, instead of hibernating as he should, Mischievous Maurice goes out in search of spring—and he thinks he’s found it! This stunning picture book celebrates the changing of the seasons.
Literacy Extensions:
- Spring Word Bank
- Spring Literature Retelling Organizer Student Page
- Spring Make a Short Vowel Word Game
- Spring Roll & Cover Math Games
7. When Spring Comes by Kevin Henkes
Before spring comes, the trees are dark sticks, the grass is brown, and the ground is covered in snow. But if you wait, leaves unfurl and flowers blossom, the grass turns green, and the mounds of snow shrink and shrink. Spring brings baby birds, sprouting seeds, rain and mud, and puddles. You can feel it and smell it and hear it—and you can read about it!
The author uses striking imagery, repetition, and alliteration to introduce basic concepts of language and the changing of the seasons. The gorgeous, lush paintings show the transformation from quiet, cold winter to the joyful newborn spring. Watch the world transform when spring comes!
Literacy Extensions:
- “What is Spring?” Classroom Book
- Spring Make a Short Vowel Word
- Spring Sight Word Match Game
- Spring Build 2 Addend Addition Number Sentences
8. The Spring Equinox: The Greening of the Earth by Ellen Jackson
No matter how long and dreary the winter, we all take comfort in the knowledge that spring will soon follow. But ancient peoples did not know the darken days of winter would reverse themselves and the earth would renew its growth.
Their fear led to many rituals designed to encourage the forces of life and light to beat back the dark forces of winter. Springtime rites were practiced by such societies as the ancient Romans, the Native Americans, and the Mayans.
To this day, virtually all religious and cultural groups have a springtime holiday with a theme of rebirth and renewal. The author tells us the fascinating details of many of these celebrations, past, and present.
Literacy Extensions:
- “Spring Around the World” Classroom Book
- Spring Patterns BOOM Cards
- Spring Letter & Sound Match Game
- Spring Numbers & Ten Frames Math Game
Finally, there are so many Spring children’s books you can choose from. From spring fiction to nonfiction, the list of books is endless. Remember to pick the books that best fit the needs of your students or children and support your learning activities. Happy Reading!
Find some more literacy and extension activities in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more blog topics check out my blog, “A Guide to Using Literature-Based Units of Study.”
