Written by Benedict Vanheems
Date: 10 April 2020
As the coronavirus lockdown stretches on, many parents are finding themselves looking for new ways to entertain and educate their children at home. Kids are naturally curious and energetic, making it challenging to keep them entertained indoors. But the garden can be a wonderful solution—an outdoor classroom filled with opportunities for learning, creativity, and fun. Here are some engaging garden activities that will keep your kids busy while they learn important life skills.
1. Sow Some Seeds
Planting seeds is a perfect springtime activity. If you have a garden, give your kids a small plot or a couple of pots where they can choose what to grow. Encourage them to make a list of vegetables or flowers they’d like to plant, then guide them through the process. Let them do as much of the planting as possible to foster a sense of ownership and excitement. This hands-on experience will keep them engaged throughout the growing season.
No garden? No problem! You can still sow seeds indoors. Try growing microgreens like cress or mustard on damp paper towels. Place them on a sunny windowsill and keep them moist. They’ll be ready to eat in just a few days, giving your kids a fun reward for their efforts.
2. Explore Plant Biology with Fun Projects
Teaching kids about plant biology doesn’t have to be boring. Start by sprouting beans in a jar. Simply roll a few sheets of paper towel into a cylinder, dampen it, and place it inside a glass jar. Insert some bean seeds between the jar and the towel and watch as roots and shoots begin to grow. This is a great way to explain the process of germination and teach kids about the life cycle of plants.
You can also dig up a dandelion from your garden, keeping as much of the taproot intact as possible, and pot it in a container. Over time, your kids will be able to observe how the plant produces flowers and seeds. This provides a fun way to explore concepts like pollination and seed dispersal.
3. Go on a Bug Hunt
The garden is full of fascinating creatures, so send your kids on a bug hunt! How many different insects can they spot? Afterward, they can draw their favorite bug or create a bug collage using craft materials. This is a wonderful way to combine outdoor exploration with creativity.
Why not take it a step further and build a bug hotel? Use scraps of wood, leaves, and other natural materials to create a cozy home for insects. This is a simple yet educational project that will help children understand the importance of biodiversity and the role of bugs in the ecosystem.
4. Make a Bird Feeder
Another fun project is creating a bird feeder. Start with a clean plastic bottle or milk jug, and with adult supervision, cut a hole about 4 inches from the bottom to insert bird seed. Poke additional holes at the base for drainage, and attach string to the top for hanging. Once hung in a tree, the feeder will attract local birds, and your kids can keep a journal of which species visit.
5. Sprout Kitchen Scraps
Did you know that many kitchen scraps can sprout into new plants? Try growing the tops of vegetables like carrots, celery, and pineapple in a saucer of water. Watching these scraps come back to life is both fun and educational for kids, teaching them about plant regeneration.
A particularly exciting project is sprouting an avocado seed. After cleaning the seed, push four toothpicks into the middle and place it over a jar of water with the pointy side facing up. Place the jar on a sunny windowsill, and in a couple of weeks, the seed will begin to sprout. Once it has grown roots and a stem, transplant it into a pot of soil.
6. Play in the Garden
Gardens are perfect for physical activity, and it’s crucial to let kids burn off some energy. Whether they’re running around, jumping, or playing with a ball, the garden is an ideal place for outdoor exercise.
Reviving traditional childhood activities can also be a hit. Kids can make daisy chains, use grass to make fun noises, press leaves and flowers into an album, or even build an outdoor den using blankets and garden furniture.
Conclusion
The lockdown doesn’t have to mean being stuck inside with nothing to do. By using your garden as a hands-on learning environment, you can engage your kids in fun, educational activities that will keep them entertained while developing important life skills. Gardening, observing nature, and getting creative with arts and crafts can all contribute to your child’s growth and well-being during this time.
How are you keeping your children engaged during the lockdown? Share your garden ideas and experiences in the comments below!