Everyday, my girls and I encounter seeds. Yes, we have planted them in our garden and have experienced the joy of watching them grow, Asters - Zucchini. However, my 5 year old and my 2 year old were quick to point out every seed we came across during each meal of the day: flax seeds, sesame seeds, strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, orange, lemon, kiwi, cucumber, pepper, seeds...the list goes on and on! So, we decided to collect the seeds we came across until we could fill an old egg carton. (The girls were amazed to learn that pits, such as in nectarine, avocado, cherry, etc. were seeds as well.)
Once we collected the 12 seeds, we sorted them from biggest to smallest. Then, the girls examined the seeds under magnifying glasses to better notice each seed's details. Finally, the girls created a poster drawing each seed as they saw it in relation to the others.
This exercise got them focused on a subject and made them eager to learn more - they wanted to plant each seed to see what would happen next! While we were collecting the seeds, they had to exercise some patience...it took us a few days to collect 12 seeds. Also, it sharpened their observation skills; while eating a meal, they would search for seeds among their fruits and vegetables. In addition, it served as a review for counting, sorting, and making comparisons and contrasts. Finally, it gave my five year old a chance to act as teacher to my 2 year old!
There are so many other possibilities for learning with this activity. The seeds could be sorted alphabetically, school aged children could write the name of each seed, and if the seeds are planted students/children could make observations as the seeds grow and sketch what they see on a "growth chart."
Seeds are not the only option: you could use rocks, seashells, flowers, bugs, buttons, etc. to accomplish the activity. It doesn't matter what you use, or exactly how you do it, as long as some seeds of knowledge are getting planted and your young ones are excited about learning!
If you do choose to work with seeds, the following books are great extensions of the topic:
How Groundhog's Garden Grew, by Lynne Cherry
-Squirrel teaches groundhog how to grow and care for his garden through each of the seasons.
The Pea Blossom, by Amy Lowry Poole
-Five peas inside a blossom all what different things. Follow each pea's unique journey.
Seed by Seed, by Esme Raji Codell
-This book highlights the importance of Johnny Appleseed.
For more book suggestions, check out this blog's "Suggested Reading" list.
Enjoy learning!
