…ol literature database to discover more of our favorite children’s books. Use the search bar to explore more of our favorite stories. Local Food Recipe for Tuesday, 1/12 Kale chips are a kid-friendly way to introduce children to leafy green vegetables. They’re affordable and easy to make, and locally grown kale is available at farmers markets in our region throughout much of the year, including in the winter months. More importantly, kids can ass…
…In this non-fiction, beautifully illustrated book, Linda Hager Pack takes a look at what Appalachian childhood was like during the mid to late 1800s. She informs her readers of the creative games, stories, and crafts children would engage in to keep themselves entertained. This informative read will leave both children and adults’ alike day-dreaming of the simpler times before technology took over the world. Prepare to be inspired!…
…rmine which plants can be grown and harvested in the school year. Plant those seeds. 20. Take a nail or other slightly sharp instrument and write your name on a growing pumpkin or winter squash. As the vegetable grows, so does your name! 21. Plant a sunflower house. 22. Do the “Goldilocks Soil Test” to determine if a soil has the proper level of moisture (have three tubs of soil: one that is too dry, one that is too moist, and one that is “just ri…
…incorporate state and national curriculum. Teachers are currently using these plans throughout Southern Appalachia and beyond. Find lesson plans in the list below or take a look at our Get Local @ School materials to find lesson plans, recipes, books, and other resources for each month of the school year. All Growing Minds lesson plans have connections to the Common Core State Standards, NC Essential Standards, and age-appropriate literature. Have…
…again in the spring. Watch a short video from PBS’ NOVA science program to see these fascinating creatures in action (educational supporting materials and NC science standards connections are also available on this page). You can also visit the National Park Service website to learn more about these amazing creatures. — That’s it for this week. Check back next week for new resources. Click here to access Day by Day resources from past weeks. If…
…e lettuce that has bolted and is flowering, or weeds that have gotten very large, plants are “going to seed” throughout the garden during the fall. Historically, farmers have saved seeds. Many resources exist to help teachers and children save seeds for the next growing season. Seed Savers Exchange, an organization dedicated to promoting saving seeds, offers many tips and how-to’s at seedsavers.org. Regrow Your Food Scraps Autumn Bingo Did you kno…
…ro More Good Lesson Plans If you’re looking for more garden themed lesson plans to use at home with children ages Pre-K through third grade, check out the Gro More Good learning activities, which feature activities for all four seasons. In the spring section, you’ll find activities related to air, soil, critters, sun, soil, and water. All lessons in this series were developed in partnership with the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center. Activiti…
…, brown sugar, curry powder) Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Rinse seeds to remove any pumpkin pulp. Dry the seeds on a clean cloth kitchen towel or paper towels. In a bowl, toss pumpkin seeds with a tablespoon or so of oil or melted butter, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of any spices you choose to use to season your seeds. Spread the coated seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes or until the seeds are gol…
…: Sensory Gardens Infants and toddlers learn about the world through their senses: touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell. Creating safe, diverse and developmentally appropriate outdoor learning environments can offer benefits across curriculum and developmental areas. Infants and toddlers are often thought of as “too young” to be involved in gardening, but they can be engaged through watering, harvesting, digging, and exploring worms, insects and…
…t below the spent bloom and above the first set of leaves. It’s also important to continue feeding compost to your tomato, cucumber, and peppers plants, and to tie them to garden stakes for support as they grow. Remove any withered or yellow leaves to prevent disease. Remove lower leaves from tomato plants to allow air to circulate. Water regularly. — That’s it for this week. Check back next week for new resources. Click here to access Day by Day…