As a homeschooling family, you have the opportunity to teach your children about the magic of plants and how they contribute to our health and wellbeing. By instilling an appreciation for nature and the plants around us, you can inspire your children to take an interest in gardening, herbalism, and the natural world around them. Here are some tips to help you teach your children about the magic of plants:
- Start with the basics: Begin by teaching your children the different parts of a plant, such as the stem, leaves, and roots. Show them how plants grow and discuss the importance of photosynthesis.
- Grow a garden: Help your children start a garden or create a planter box. Choose plants that are easy to grow and care for, such as herbs, lettuce, or sunflowers. This will help your children develop a connection with the plants and learn about the process of growing food.
- Make herbal remedies: Introduce your children to herbalism by making simple remedies, such as a calendula salve or a chamomile tea. This will give them hands-on experience with plants and show them how plants can be used to heal and support our bodies.
- Take nature walks: Spend time exploring nature with your children. Take a nature walk and point out different plants and their uses. Encourage your children to touch, smell, and observe the plants around them.
- Read books: There are many wonderful books that can help teach children about plants and their magic. Some favorites include The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Botany Coloring Book by Paul Young, and A Child’s Introduction to the World of Plants by Michael Chinery.
By teaching your children about the magic of plants, you can inspire a love of nature and a respect for the natural world. With a little creativity and enthusiasm, you can create a learning experience that is both fun and educational for your children.
Next, you can engage your children in practical activities that allow them to learn about plants firsthand. Planting a garden is a wonderful way to do this. You can start with simple herbs or vegetables that are easy to grow and care for. You can also encourage your children to take part in the entire process, from choosing the seeds to planting, watering, and harvesting the crops. This allows them to see the full life cycle of a plant, and develop a sense of connection and appreciation for the natural world.
Another fun activity is to take your children on nature walks and teach them to identify the different plants they see along the way. You can also create nature journals for them to record their observations and experiences. This can be a great way to encourage them to pay attention to the world around them and develop their observation and writing skills.
You can also incorporate the use of plants into your daily life, such as cooking with herbs or making herbal remedies for common ailments. This can help your children see the practical applications of what they have learned about plants, and appreciate their usefulness in everyday life.
As a master herbalist and a parent, I believe it’s important to teach children about the power and beauty of plants. Learning about different herbs and their uses not only connects children to the natural world, but also empowers them to take control of their own health and well-being.
Here are some of the best plants to teach your children about:
- Chamomile – This gentle herb is known for its calming properties, making it a great choice for helping children relax and sleep. It can also be used to soothe upset stomachs and ease teething pain in infants.
- Calendula – Also known as marigold, calendula is a powerful healing herb that can be used to soothe and heal skin irritations, cuts, and bruises. It’s also a great addition to homemade salves and lotions.
- Lavender – Another calming herb, lavender is known for its relaxing scent and ability to reduce anxiety and stress. It’s also a great herb to use in homemade bath products, such as bath salts and soaps.
- Echinacea – This powerful immune-booster is great for teaching children about the importance of supporting their immune systems. It can be used to prevent and treat colds and flu, as well as to speed up the healing process of other infections.
- Peppermint – This refreshing herb is great for soothing upset stomachs and easing headaches. It’s also a fun herb to use in cooking and baking, adding a refreshing flavor to teas, desserts, and other dishes.
Teaching your children about these plants not only helps them understand the power of nature, but also encourages them to take an active role in their own health and wellness. By incorporating these herbs into your daily life, you can help your children develop a lifelong love and appreciation for the natural world.
Your children will love learning about the magic of plants as it is a wonderful way to cultivate a deeper connection to the natural world and instil a sense of wonder and curiosity in their hearts. With a little creativity and a lot of love, you can create a learning environment that fosters intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth in your children.
