We’re on blogcation, & will be back with all new content
August 2! Until then, please enjoy some of your favorite articles
from the last year. Originally published March 10, 2010.
planting seeds
One of the things I love about homeschooling is the ability to learn hands-on. Over the past couple weeks, we turned my garden starts into a full science unit. We spent a couple days learning about seeds and plants from a textbook and then got to work. My daughter took a clip board of notes and questions to the local seed store and after spending sometime with the garden specialist there, she decided what to plant. She figured out what supplies and seeds we needed and we headed home to start our garden.
growing seedlings
Within 10 days, the seedlings started to grow large enough to separate. Since we planted various seeds in the same flat, it was very interesting to see the differences in germination and growth rates. Much more so than from reading it in a book. We, also, learned that seeds and very young seedlings need to be covered to keep them warm and moist, but the larger seedlings are stronger and don’t have to be pampered as much. Do they teach that in school?
my favorite – making a terrarium
I love finding information about a subject we are studying from various sources. One publication we enjoy is the The Old Farmer’s Almanac For Kids. This year, it has a large section on plants. It contains an eclectic mix of plants, plant stories and projects. The project that caught our eye was the terrarium. My aunt had a terrarium when I was growing up and I thought it was the coolest thing. I didn’t realize how easy they are to make. We just picked up a pretty glass vase and some small plants at Wal Mart. Layered the rocks and soil. Planted the plants. Added some water and a lid. Now, we have a great little ecosystem going, a homeschool lesson learned and a beautiful terrarium on my mantel! I love homeschooling!
What are you looking forward to learning with your children next?
