Spring brings sunnier days, breezes and chilly rainy days. Art activities that adapt to any type of day work best. When planning sidewalk art, a back-up plan incorporates full sheets of gray construction paper and sidewalk chalk. Have students lay sheets in sidewalk fashion around the room or down a hall, leaving "cracks" between the sheets. Students will draw their chalk masterpieces on these sidewalk sheets. On the next sunny day, have students take their sidewalks outside and spray them lightly with hairspray to set the chalk.
Use construction paper in earth tones as background for nature designs. Cut out two identical trees and glue to the background sheet. Glue on puffed rice cereal to represent springtime flower buds on the trees. Glue popped popcorn onto the others to show how buds turn into blossoms. Label sheets, "From Buds to Blossoms."
To celebrate springtime, coat students' hands with paint, and press them into a large sheet of white construction paper to serve as the bud or flower. Next, use their feet and press into the paper at the base of the flower to become leaves. Draw green stem and have students sign and date their art. Send home as gifts for parents or grandparents.
Art includes performing arts and role-playing. Spring offers a chance to play outside. KinderArt, a teacher resource supplier since 1997, suggests a picnic dress-up. Old items of clothes from mom, dad, grandparents and other family members turn into creative dress-up outfits as family members prepare for a picnic. Blouses, scarves, nightgowns, handbags and old suitcases turn into picnic fashion and accessories.
Simple picnics may consist of popcorn, chips, juices or fruit and cheese. More elaborate ones might include sandwiches, fried chicken or specialty items family members and kids prepare ahead. Lay out a tablecloth or blanket in the back yard or on any convenient floor area. Hang photographs of class picnic performances in a class art gallery.