Children are open to learning from a very young age and are stimulated by the different sounds, smells and colors that surround them. There are various projects that a child can participate in that teaches them the basics of the role of plants and prepares them for the more complex scientific study of botany at a later age. Learn to identify plants by scent, watch a seed grow into a flower or tree or learn which plants are literally good enough to eat.
Growing Plants from Seed With Children
Growing a plant from seed allows a child to see the development of a plant from seed to maturity. Seeds can be bought at garden centers for a wide variety of flowers and plants but a fun way to introduce a child to the life cycle of a plant's growing process is to collect tree seeds, such as acorns and conkers, in the Fall. Plant the seed in a small plant pot and cover it with soil; make sure the child waters the seed as and when necessary and by spring the seed should start to grow. Re-pot the plant as required.
Collecting Leaves With Children
Another good Fall project for introducing children to plants is to collect different types of tree leaves when deciduous trees start to shed their leaves in the fall. Use a book to help the child identify the different tree species collected and either paste the leaves into a scrapbook or allow the child to draw and color the different types of leaves.
Introducing Children to Growing Vegetables
Children learn a lot about where food comes from by introducing them to growing vegetables. Help a child grow plants such as carrots, potatoes, lettuce and tomatoes and they will learn how the plant develops from seed to maturity. Ensure the child carries out appropriate watering and weeding and protect the plants from pests and insects. This project can be done with a small patch of garden or, depending on the plant species, grown indoors on a window ledge.
Introducing Children to Plants With Scents
Children can learn to identify some plants by different scents. Plant a garden with lavender, roses, herbs or scented trees and teach the child to describe the plants by the different scents. A lot of scented plants are medicinal too; older children can learn to understand the different medicinal uses of various plants.
Small Gardens, Container Gardens and Indoor Gardens for Children
Children only need a small place to learn about plants. Indoor gardens are ideal for those with limited outdoor space or for those who live in colder climates. Container gardens are ideal for those with limited outdoor space in warmer climates. Even those with large gardens can allocate a small patch of land for a small garden for children. Small spaces are easier to look after and will make sure the child does not lose interest or become overwhelmed by the project.
Other Plant Projects for Children
Even if a child does not have the opportunity to experience firsthand various plants, scrapbooks, botanical art and garden books can introduce a child to the world of plants. Vegetables and fruit sold in stores introduce children to the shape, color and texture of edible plants; fragrant herbs introduce children to different scents. There are many different ways to introduce children to plants, regardless of budget, space and time.
References:
- BBC Gardening web site, Gardening With Children, accessed June 21, 2010
- Kids Gardening web site, Kids Garden News, accessed June 21, 2010
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
