Now that back-to-school season is here, you might be looking for ways to spend a little extra time with your kids. So, why not teach them about plants? Summer might be over, but we think spending time outdoors and appreciating plants should be done year-round!
Gardening is one of the best activities for boosting your mood, reducing stress, improving memory, learning about nature and of course, having fun! Plus, it’s a timeless activity that can be enjoyed at any age and in any place. Teaching your kids about plants at a young age will allow them to appreciate and nurture life for years to come.
There are so many ways to teach kids about plants that we think both you and your little ones will love. Let’s look at some easy ways to dig into the exciting world of plants!
Hit The Books
One tried-and-true way to teach your kids about plants is through books. Head to your local library to check out a few plant-related books that interest your kids. This is a great way for them to not only learn about plant processes and benefits but also to hone their reading skills. Depending on your children’s age and learning level, you can choose between picture books for a simplistic or creative approach or textbooks for a fact-based deeper dive.
And for older kids or teens, our resource center is filled with useful plant info and online courses that cover house plants, fruit trees, landscaping and more!
Experiment
If your kids are really into the science aspect of plants, indulge them with some fun and simple science experiments. There’s plenty of quick and easy, at-home ones you can try. Get out the goggles and a few supplies, and you’ll be creating your own science lab.
From germinating seedlings to studying how water travels through plants, the options are endless, and you’ll be amazed by what you and your kids can learn together. Check out this list of plant experiments to get started!
Get Crafty
If your kids enjoy arts and crafts, this is an ideal way to incorporate plants into your after school or weekend activities. Depending on the age of your kids and their interests, plants can inspire any creation. Try pressing flowers from your garden, tracing leaves on paper or painting a watercolor of plants.
Or, check out our guide to using pampas grass as décor to take your crafting to the next level. Tailor the project to your kid’s preferences and let them get creative. We guarantee it’ll be a fun time for all!
Grow Something!
This one is obvious, but we had to add it to the list. There’s no better way to learn about plants than by getting outside and actually planting something. Take your kids to your local nursery and let them pick out a few plants. Then, involve them in the planting process so they can learn firsthand what it takes to grow and care for their new friends.
You can even have them check in on their plants as a daily chore to foster a sense of responsibility for their growing garden. And don’t forget to teach your kids the importance of weeding and watering—that way you won’t have to do it. ;)
Check out our huge selection of trees, shrubs, fruits, house plants & more for some inspiration. Our plant kits are especially fun for kids, and they’ll love our plants that attract wildlife and carefree house plants!
Volunteer
Volunteering is not only the perfect way to get your kids involved with plants—it’s also useful for teaching them the importance of helping others and making a difference in the community. Head to your township’s parks and recreation website to learn about local opportunities such as park cleanup or planting days that might be coming up.
There could also be local botanical gardens or wildlife centers you could contact. Volunteering in this capacity is a way to learn about plants native to your area and what you can do to benefit the ecosystem. Plus, you’ll probably get to meet some new faces and maybe even make a few friends in the process.
Teaching your kids about plants is both enjoyable and rewarding, and there’s so many ways and resources that can be utilized. Hopefully our quick list has provided some inspiration and you’ll try out an idea or two this fall! We’d love to see what you and your kids come up with, so be sure to tag @FastGrowingTrees on Instagram and Facebook.
