The snow is melting, birds are singing in the back yard, and tulip decal packs are on sale—meaning it’s time to pull out some fun spring classroom activities! Here are ten ideas for your consideration.

1. Spring tie-dye party

This activity can get messy, so plastic tablecloths are your friend, whether you host the session inside or outside. You could also get your students to bring their own 100% cotton t-shirts and plastic bin/bowl to offset some of the cost.

2. Globe Observer app

Set up a nature observation center in your classroom and assist NASA scientists by downloading the free Globe Observer app and reporting on your area’s clouds, mosquito habitat, land cover, and trees. You can also track the signs of spring, having your students share with the class the evidence of specific events they witness.

3. Easter egg reward system

You could switch up your motivation and reward practices for a couple weeks to use prizes in plastic easter eggs. Spring-themed mini toys, bracelets, erasers, finger puppets, and stickers are common filler ideas.

4. Spring poetry contest

If you want to get your students’ creative juices flowing, why not host a poetry contest! You could choose a specific theme like renewal, Easter, rebirth, or nature—or give students creative license on the broader seasonal theme. You may want to research larger poetry contests for children, especially those held during April, National Poetry Month.

5. Birds nest snack time

Whether you use the pretzels, puffed rice, or chow mien base, or stick with the more classic oatmeal no-bake recipe, these cute springtime cookies are the perfect spring-themed treat. With hundreds of great recipes available online (with options of peanut butter, chocolate, butterscotch, and marshmallow), you can easily adapt for your students’ dietary restrictions.

6. Senior celebration day

Get a list of the graduating seniors and have your students draw names and write a letter of encouragement to grads as they’re powering through their last months of high school. With permission, you could also have your students interview seniors, getting their advice for the high school experience ahead.

7. Bird watching

Do you have a set of windows in your classroom? Your class may want to build a bird feeder and identify the bird species that visit. Have students research the migratory patterns of the birds you see in your area but be prepared for how you’ll deal with a few visiting squirrels too. You may also want to treat the classroom glass with a film treatment (like dots or lines) since birds may not see the solid surface as they come and go.

8. Butterfly classroom project

Research a butterfly that thrives in your area, as well as the time of year when its preferred food is widely available. Painted Lady butterflies are a popular choice for raising in the classroom because of their geographic range, but you’ll want to research best practices, since it’s easy to grow and release a butterfly at the wrong time when it will starve.

9. Principal Appreciation Day

May 1st is School Principals’ Day in the U.S. Administrators often carry burdens you never know about, as well as set the tone for the entire school. Consider having your class host lunch for your principal and write notes of appreciation. You could even do a small fundraiser to buy the principal a gift from your class.

10. Plant care

Bring some small disposable pots, soil, and seeds to class and have each student plant their own. If you’re blessed with natural lighting, you could care for the plants in classroom. You could also send the pots home with students and task them with reporting growth and providing water.

Spring offers endless opportunities to bring creativity and excitement into the classroom! Do you have any spring classroom traditions to share? Please share them below!