by Glory Lennon

Created on: May 08, 2009

The mistake most people make when wanting to teach something to children is thinking they have to "go by the book". They feel they have to open a book and talk about things in technical terms so the children will learn properly. While this may be true it won't necessarily capture the kids' attention. When has learning "properly" ever been fun? Kids are more apt to learn when the subject is presented in a fun and imaginative sort of way. Therefore, in order to teach anything to kids we should make it fun even something as un-fun as plants.

But that isn't quite true, is it? Gardeners, botanists, apothecaries and horticulturists all find plants fascinating and yes, even fun. But what exactly about plants would children find interesting enough to want to learn about them? Let's take a look at how to teach children about plants.

Seeds.

Did it ever occur to you that kids would find the common every day seed as possessing magic? Actually, it does. Think about it. It is a tiny little spec with the power to grow into a plant. A plant no less that could make a pretty flower, grow a tall, imposing tree or even a fruit you can eat. Then to make the magic complete, the flower, the tree or fruit makes more seeds. Whoa! Talk about amazing.

Seeing Is Believing.

Give a little kid a sunflower seed, watermelon seed or even an acorn to hold in his hand and then show him what that tiny seed will turn into. This is where a book, flower seed catalogue or a garden website will come in handy. But nothing beats going into the yard, a park, a garden or a farm stand and seeing it for yourself.

Container Garden.

Once he knows what a seed can turn into, have him actually plant a few seeds in his own container. This need not be too big, a yogurt cup will do to start. To make it more interesting for him have him choose which seeds to plant. It is astounding how proud a kid can be growing something himself.

Botanical Gardens.

Botanical gardens are a marvel to the parent wishing to indulge his aspiring little botanist but it's also a place to have fun. Many botanical gardens have separate Children's gardens with fragrant herbs to touch and sniff and touchable plants to feel. The soft, wooly leaves of Lamb's Ear, the fleshy tear-drop shaped leaves of groundcover Sedum and the spiky Thistle are as diverse as you can get but they are still all plants with special properties all their own.

Then there are the "scavenger hunts" to find certain special plants, dancing water features,

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