Harrington Big Backyard Program

Kindergarten

Plants, Animals and Seasonal Changes

Kindergarten walks are based on environmental awareness through the changing seasons. They help to forge an attitude of respect toward the environment, each other and themselves as learners. Kindergarteners use four senses: seeing, hearing, smelling and touching, to observe and share their observations of seasonal changes.

Please note: All adults who work with children in the Big Backyard program must have a valid CORI. Please click here to fill out a CORI form. CORI checks are good for 3 years. Check with your school office if you have additional questions.

See what volunteers do here.

What do I need for a Walk?

A Love of Nature
A willingness to share your curiosity
A valid CORI from Lexington Public Schools
Two hours: time for the walk and a pre-walk training
Appropriate attire for the weather

We supply training, walk material and any equipment you need!

Walk Guides

Read the guide before your walk to familiarize yourself with areas to visit and activities.

Pre-Walk Training at School

It is strongly recommended that volunteers attend the on-site training at your school. Trainings are 30-45 minutes, typically, on the day of the walk, and begin in the lobby. If you are unsure of when the training occurs look back at the signup email or contact your Big Backyard team.

Training Videos

View these 15 minute videos to learn an overall approach to guiding children outdoors as well as modeling of the activities on each specific walk.

Helpful Resources

To enhance your understanding of the material.

Fall

Kindergarteners will make observations of the schoolyard using sight, hearing, smell and touch. They will conduct examinations of plants and plant parts and do some leaf comparisons.

Winter

Kindergarteners use senses to observe seasonal changes and compare with fall. They observe signs of animal activity and examine snow and ice. They observe tree buds and learn about tree growth.

Spring

Kindergarteners use senses to observe signs of spring and compare with winter. They discover the changes in plants. They observe tree buds and discover why wild flowers and trees change and discover the connection between flowers and seeds.

For questions or further details, please contact Karen McCarthy, Science Curriculum Coordinator K-5, or Pamela Cohen, District Big Backyard Coordinator.

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