Volume 6 Issue 1 Page 1 of 2
Spring 2006
Another basic part of gardening, and which children enjoy, is planting seeds. This will keep a child involved for weeks and months as he/she watches the seeds grow. It also doesn't require a lot of work or preparation. A Styrofoam cup or egg carton, some soil and a packet of seeds are all you need.
Which seed should you start with? A favorite is the sunflower. It is a fun and interesting flower, kids can eat the seeds (although you will have to dry, prepare and roast them first), and it is very fast growing. Once your sunflower begins growing, the kids can use a ruler or tape measure to chart its progress. They may also enjoy drawing or painting a picture of the growing or mature sunflower.
Other fun projects include planting seeds to attract butterflies (daisies, zinnias, petunias, etc) or ladybugs (Blue Cornflower, Fennel, etc).
Speaking of bugs, many kids like bugs, especially caterpillars, worms and ladybugs. Letting children explore the garden and find bugs can be a fun activity in the garden. Other fun activities can include letting the kids:
* design labels for the plants in your garden
* help harvest vegetables or cut flowers
* build and decorate a scarecrow for your garden
* visit a local botanical garden
What if the kids begin to lose interest in their garden or plants? With children's attention spans, that certainly is a possibility. It is probably best not to force them to maintain their garden or make it a chore. Instead, just try to rekindle their interest. Tell them how their sunflower has really grown this week and how you are going to go measure it. Or
– Please Help! —
... us find others just like you to work as a nanny. If you know anyone interested in finding a rewarding and important job caring for children, call us. When we successfully place your referral, we will compensate you $75 for a permanent position, and $25 for a temporary position . Call us with the candidate's name and telephone number, or have her call us. She needs to let us know that you referred her. Our toll free number is 800-765-6269 . We always have great, interesting positions available. Be sure the candidate has childcare experience beyond his or her own family members, is a non-smoker and has a valid driver's license.
get excited about a new flower that is blooming.
And be sure to be safe. Younger children shouldn't handle sharp gardening tools. Also keep insecticides and other chemicals out of reach, or consider taking up organic gardening.
Suggested Children's Books
The Carrot Seed
by Ruth Krauss (for 2-5 year olds)
Chestnut Cove
written & illustrated by Tim Egan
City Green
written & illustrated by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
The Gardener
by Sarah Stewart (for 6-10 year olds)
Jack's Garden
written & illustrated by Henry Cole
Mr. Carey's Garden
by Jane Cutler
Oliver's Vegetables
by Vivian French
Planting a Rainbow
by Lois Ehlert