First day of spring; adverbs

I've been wanting to post on adverbs for a while (I lead a very exciting life, don't I?!).  An idea finally came to me today: an activity based on the first day of spring.  Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.  Adverbs usually end in "-ly" and answer the question "how?"  Cueing your child to use adverbs is important because they serve to convey more information in a sentence, leading to more complex language/vocabulary usage.

To prompt your child to use adverbs, ask your child what will happen now that it is spring.  Answers may include, "Leaves will grow slowly,"  "The wind will blow softly," "Flowers will bloom beautifully," "The sun will shine brightly."  If your child simply states, "Leaves will grow," then prompt her to use an adverb by asking her "How will the leaves grow?" since adverbs answer the question "How?"

This task is also helpful for reasoning.  If you need some inspiration, go to one of Pittsburgh's parks or your own backyard and look at the barren landscape.  Ask your child how it will change now that spring is here.

Here is a nice shot of Mellon Park Walled Garden:

 

Image retrieved from http://pittsburghparks.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/pittsburgh-parks-conservancys-award-winning-gardens/