May 31th-June 4th Family Activities Newsletter

Welcome to week 46 of the WMHT Family Activities Newsletter.
This weekly family newsletter is providing resources for children’s growing and learning throughout the summer months.
The theme for this week is Planting.
I hope you find this helpful!
Barbara Lukas, Family Learning Coordinator
Theme: Planting
Welcome to family activities with PBS Kids! This week we look at ideas for spring planting.
Two age level areas are available – PreK-K and Grades 1-2. 
PreK-K
Watching plants grow from seed is exciting and something you can easily do at home. Experiment with this plant activity from Elinor Wonders Why. For this activity it is best to use a plant that grows quickly such as lima beans or sunflower seeds. 
       KET Education - Tomato Plant
This short Seed to Fruit video takes you through the different stages of growth in the life of a cherry tomato plant. To get a jump start, purchase a tomato plant from a local farmer’s market or garden center, pot it, and then place it outside to watch it grow. Don’t forget to water it in dry weather!
Grades 1-2
Create your own mini garden with this suggestion from Nature Cat! Recycle cardboard cartons or similar containers, plant some seeds and watch them grow. If you want to avoid waiting for the seeds to sprout, purchase small vegetables or flowers, and plant them in your ready-made containers. Se sure to place them where they can be in sunlight.
    Nature Cat Composter
Don’t throw away those vegetable peels! Make a composter to create healthy, fresh soil for growing plants. Using a plastic bottle and some leaves, make your own composter and use the soil to plant something. You will need adult help with cutting the plastic 2 liter bottle and collecting kitchen scraps.


PBS Parents Gardening With Kids:
How It Affects Your Child's Brain, Body and Soul
There are many learning concepts involved when kids are planting and tending to a garden. Math, reading, nutrition, communication, and self-esteem all are related to creating and maintaining a garden. This article from PBS Parents offers tips for family gardening.  

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