Nature Activities - Indoors and Out
“Plant a radish, get a radish, maybe you’ll get two…”
(from, THE FANTASTICS)
There are so many ways to explore the natural world with young children. Here are four ideas for these staying-close-to-home-days.
1.Nature Hunt “Feely Board”
Grab a small bag, take a walk, and start collecting! Look for: Textures! Colors! Sizes! Shapes! Respond to what is discovered, or guide your child’s exploration, “I spy with my little eye, a plant with green leaves and yellow petals.”
Look closely at the ground, at tree bark, in the grass. Maintain a sense of wonder.
”I wonder…. where do snails live?”
“Oh.. I hear something up in the tree…”
“Hmmm... here’s a small leaf. I wonder if there’s a bigger one around?”
Collect what’s appropriate (do not pick living plants) Bring home to further the exploration:
Research the names of things
Borrow books from the library to learn more
What kind of tree did that pine cone come from?
Learn the “parts of” a flower (stem, corolla, pestil, etc.), or tree (trunk, bark, branch, bud, etc.)
Make the Feely Board- Glue found objects onto a board. Touch with eyes closed to feel more deeply.
Extension: Press leaves and flowers in between newsprint, and press with a heavy book. Wait a few weeks to see results! Make a bookmark or decorate a page with the dried flowers and leaves. Laminate to preserve.
2.Growing An Avocado Plant
Even though it’s not likely that your plant will bear fruit, this is still a delightful, long term, science activity, where the actual process is visible. Keep a journal noting when the pit is first immersed in water, when it splits revealing the first signs of the root and seedling.
Carefully remove the pit from an avocado. Wash off any excess flesh
Pointy side up, carefully push 4 toothpicks partway into the top third of the pit at a slight angle
Balance on a clean glass jar, or drinking glass, filled with water (room temperature, or cool)
Place in a sunny location
Maintain a high water level
Watch for first signs of a root, which will split open the bottom of the pit - may take up to a month
Then watch for signs of the plant to push open the top of the pit-another few weeks
Once the plant is about 8 inches tall, transplant into a clean small-medium sized planter pot, filled with clean houseplant soil. (Some recommend cutting back the stem (to 3 inches) at this point to encourage stronger growth. I’ve had success both ways)
Do not over water
Keep in a sunny location
3.Plant Seeds
With minimal effort, your child can create a lovely flower garden! The seed packet will guide when to sprout and plant.
For this activity you’ll need:
Packet of seeds- 1 variety or more
A flat container
Cardboard tubes
Small watering can, or spray bottle
Small nail or large pushpin
Potting or garden soil-damp
A small garden area, or a large planter pot to transfer flower seedlings
Step 1- Cut cardboard tubes, cut small sections
Step 2- Place the plastic container upside down and guide the child to using a small nail or long push pin, punch 10-15 drainage holes
Step 3- Place the tubes in the flat container, and fill about half way with soil
Step 4- Sprinkle some seeds in each tube, and cover with soil (seed packet will indicate amount)
Step 5- Water gently or spray. Keep damp and warm, until sprouted
Step 6- Follow seed packet directions for transplanting
4.Polishing the Leaves of Houseplants
Children love making contributions to home life. Polishing and drying leaves is a very satisfying activity for young children as it can be repeated without damaging the plant (the way over watering can).
This lovely activity supports the the practice of being gentle-a lifelong practice!
If the plant is not accessible to the child, an adult can help the child place it at their level.
Using a spray bottle may require some guidelines, such as, “We use the bottle to spray leaves.” And, to prevent mucking with the nozzle- “The nozzle is for mommies, daddies, and teachers.”
Needed Items:
Broad leafed plant
Spray bottle filled with cool water. Bottle kept on spray setting
Damp sponge (cut small to fit child’s hand)
Small towel, folded-for drying
Larger towel placed under the plant-to absorb water
A special apron or smock used just for this purpose is a plus, as it formalizes the activity, the way using an apron for cooking does
Bonus- Child size clothesline
Step 1- Child dons the apron or smock, if using
Step 2- Child or adult dampens the sponge
Step 3-Put the large towel on a stool or low table. Place the plant on top
Step 4- Child holds the underside of a leaf. Sprays 5 times. Sets down the spray bottle
Step 5- Picks up the damp sponge and slowly “polishes” (wipes) the leaf in slow strokes 5 times
Step 5- Repeat spraying and drying (other leaves, or the same one), until the child is content
Step 6- Return the plant, if need be
Step 7- Continue with other plants if desired
Step 7-Tidy up the materials. Keep available, for child to use
Bonus Step 8- Hang wet towels on a child-size clothesline
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