Exploring Nature in Spring: A Bridge Between Reggio Emilia and STEM

Spring is a magical time in the classroom. The days grow longer, colors burst all around us, and nature invites us to step outside, observe, and discover. Why not take advantage of this renewed energy to connect children with learning through hands-on exploration of the natural world? Whether you fully embrace the Reggio Emilia approach or are just beginning to experiment with active methodologies, spring provides a living classroom filled with opportunities.

In Reggio Emilia, the environment is considered the “third teacher,” and in spring, nature itself becomes the greatest ally in learning. Children’s curiosity awakens with every budding leaf, every fluttering insect, and every puddle reflecting the sky. What’s wonderful is that this sense of wonder can seamlessly intertwine with scientific thinking and STEM exploration while preserving the essence of play and free experimentation.

Imagine a group of children outside, fascinated by the trail of a snail. They observe, ask questions, and draw its path on the ground. Without realizing it, they are engaging in scientific inquiry—observing patterns, forming hypotheses, and documenting their findings. If we offer them a magnifying glass, a notebook, and space to discuss their thoughts, we have planted the seeds of scientific thinking without imposing rigid structures.

The changing seasons can become living projects within the classroom. A simple walk in the park or schoolyard can open the door to questions that lead to real investigations: Why haven’t some flowers bloomed yet? How do clouds form? What new sounds do we hear in spring? These observations can be brought into the classroom and connected to multiple disciplines—measuring a growing plant introduces math, classifying leaves brings in biology, and building an insect shelter immerses students in engineering.

You don’t need a large garden or a rural setting to integrate nature into your teaching. A simple seed experiment on a windowsill, observing changes in street trees, or collecting small natural treasures for a classroom exploration corner can be the perfect starting point. The key is not just the activity itself but the perspective we bring: one that invites curiosity, encourages genuine inquiry, and transforms children into the true protagonists of their learning.

If you’ve never used nature as a central element in learning, spring is the perfect time to start. Open the door, let the children explore, and listen to their questions. Knowledge will bloom just as naturally as the flowers of the season.

To find resources that foster both provocations and invitations in the classroom, visit my TpT store, where I offer materials designed to inspire children's curiosity and discovery. Looking for SPRING-inspired resources? You can find some here!