Get them involved in the garden.
Mixing plants, soil, water and sunshine with a bunch of kids is a winning combination. And, who knows, you may be even able to get them to eat their vegetables too!
A garden is a hands-on, living classroom. Gardening will teach them responsibility and patience; it helps improve life skills and helps form a positive relationship between the child and the environment. Gardening can also increase self-confidence, creativity and a love of nature all while providing much needed physical activity.
Here are some ways to get the kids involved:
- Give children their own garden space (start with a large container or a few pots).
- Involve children in the planning and design of the garden.
- Start from seeds: sprouting seeds and nurturing the young seedling are a valuable part of the experience.
- Provide them with lightweight, easy-to-handle, child-sized gardening tools.
- Grow child-friendly plants such as sunflowers, corn, pumpkins, tomatoes and strawberries.
- Plant flowers that attract butterflies and ladybirds.
- Include a water feature, a birdbath or a sundial.
- Show off their work. Attention given to their work is the best motivator for children to stay involved with a project.
- Visit community gardens, farms or botanical gardens.
- Plant a miniature or fairy garden
