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COLUMBUS - School is out, and the children are home -- but that doesn't mean creative learning
should take a break during the summer. Children, especially those in elementary school, are eager to engage in
new projects. It's important to keep their little minds active -- even during summer vacation. Below, you'll find
several ways to teach children about gardening and nutrition. You won't need a large yard for any of the activities,
which makes them perfect for apartment/condo dwellers. Plus, they'll entertain the children on those dreaded rainy
days.
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The summer months are an excellent time to teach children about the origins of food. It might surprise
you that children don't always know from where food originates. Until shown, children may think that vegetables
are "grown" in cans, or they may think that vegetables simply come from the grocery store. It can really
be an eye-opener when they realize that summer fruits and vegetables actually come from plants and grow from the
ground. Working with plants also gives children an opportunity to learn responsibility for nurturing a living thing.
There are various urban gardening projects that you and your child can enjoy together -- even if
you don't have any outdoor gardening space.
Green-Haired Short Monsters!
Newspaper
Potting Soil
Grass Seed (Wheat grass works well; the kids can eat it!)
Container with a hole poked in the bottom (Try using old soup cans or something recycled.)
Construction paper
Crayons, markers or colored pencils
Glue
Lay newspapers over your workspace. Give each child a container and explain that you must poke
a hole in the bottom of the container to allow the water to drain. (If you're using soup cans, make sure there
aren't any sharp edges and prepare the hole before you sit down to do this activity.) Cut the construction paper
to fit around the container. Have the children design their favorite monster face on the paper, and glue the it
to the container.
Fill the container almost full of potting soil. To improve drainage, put smal stones in the bottom
of the container. Add grass seed on top. Water until damp, not soaked. Tell the children that they can give their
monsters a haircut when it grows, Water the monsters just a little every day, and make sure they get plenty of
sun.
If you have a little more space, you cna involve children in making a "Pizza Garden."
PIZZA GARDEN
Ask children what items they like on their pizza, and list their favorite toppings on a board. Have the children
decide which ingredients are plants and can be grown in a garden. Talk about the differences between plants and
animals. Plant the seeds indoors under grow lights. Keep an eye on the plants' water intake; make sure that the
kids are watering them correctly. Later, you can transplant them to your garden together.
If you do not have an outdoor garden or grow lights, herbs are easy to grow indoors, and they sprout
quickly. Children don't lose interest and can observe the growning process. Sprinkle your homegrown basil or cilantro
on a pizza.
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COOK WITH A BOOK
The library is a great way to introduce your children to new books without spending a lot of money at the bookstore.
Many libraries have special reading groups, but parents can turn a library trip into a great family outing by spending
an evening picking out books on new topics.
To help children learn about good nutrition, families are encouraged to cook with a book. Read
a book with your child that incorporates nutrition and fruits and vegetables. After reading the book, make a creative
and healthy snack together.
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COOK WITH A BOOK READING SUGGESTIONS
- The Boy Who Ate Around by Henrik Dresher
- "Peanut Butter Sandwich" poem by Shel Silverstein
- Luka's Quilt by Georgia Guback
- If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff
- Oliver's Fruit Salad by Vivian French
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