Gardening With Kids

This week Goddard Ashburn’s lessons will highlight the theme of plants. We are celebrating spring and it would be a good opportunity to plant a garden with your little ones. Planting a kid’s garden can help teach your child about nature, the environment, plants and what plants need to grow.

Gardening with your child can also help teach your child independence and confidence. As your preschooler tends to their garden by planting seeds, watering, and pulling weeds they will be rewarded with flowers, plants, or vegetables.
Where to start:
Take a trip to the local nursery to get your little one excited about planting. Children can pick out their own flowers and/ or vegetables for their garden or they can start from seeds.
You can really develop this experience for your child by supplying them with their own basic tools, gloves and watering can. Perhaps there is an area in the yard that could be designated as their own garden, giving them the freedom to plant whatever they like.

Next comes the fun, show your child how to plant the flower or seeds in their garden, kids love this part because they get a chance to play in dirt! When they are done planting, it’s time to play with water by watering the new plants. Watering is sure to be a favorite for most children.

What to plant
1. Sunflowers are a great choice because of their height
2. If your child really likes to help out in the kitchen how about an herb garden
3. If you decide to grow vegetables, pick vegetables they already like to eat. Also carrots and strawberries always peek a child’s interest.
4. Plant a Pizza Garden – grow tomatoes, herbs, peppers etc. and then make a pizza with all the ingredients.

Always supervise your child in the garden so they stay safe and Happy gardening from Goddard Ashburn!

Sources:
http://www.preschool-learning-and-crafts.com
http://kidsactivities.suite101.com