Gardening is a great activity not just for adults, but kids too! Especially if you’re stuck at home due to COVID-19. A lot of kids these days get more anxious and bored at home easily as they’re not allowed to go and play outside, so introducing this learning activity will lessen the boredom streak at home and will help them develop new skills. Some of these include responsibility, patience, creativity, and love of nature!
Introducing them to gardening is not as easy as it sounds, some kids would nudge off the idea as it may seem like a tiring household chore. Here are a few ways to make gardening fun!
Child Size Garden Tools. Purchasing kiddie-size tools will make it seem more of a play than work with kids. A trowel, lead rake, shovel, hoe, gloves, watering can, and apron are a few kiddie-sized items that can be available at your local store.
Establish Their Roles. Kids are naturally disorganized when not taught, assigning them specific roles or plants to take care of will help them gain more responsibility. Having them choose their own plant to grow or design the plant bed would be more enjoyable for them. Teach them the DO’s and Don’ts but don’t go overboard, take a step back, and let your child learn from their experience with your guidance.
Let Them Get Dirty. As parents or guardians, it is normal to keep your child from getting dirty. But this activity includes a lot of mud and kids… They just love it! Instead of scolding them for getting soiled shirts, encourage them to dig in the dirt.
Choosing the Plant. It would be more enjoyable for kids if you let them choose the plant they want to grow. Children love bright-colored plants and fruits that are familiar to them. Planting vegetables such as carrots or cherry tomatoes would also help to encourage them to eat vegetables.
Keep Things Interesting. Think of fun activities to add to their gardening such as a Guessing Game – let them guess what kind of flower you planted. Make up a game such as, “Fastest to Fill the Water Can” there are varieties of games you can add to make this activity fun for you and your kids.
Make a Scarecrow. If all else fails, making a scarecrow is a great way to enhance creativity and keep things interesting. Kids get distracted easily, and repetitive activity will make them bored and lose interest. If this happens, making a scarecrow will be a fun way to get their attention back and beautify your garden.
Aside from fun and games, make sure to teach your kids a little or two about science. In this way, they will gain more interest in the plant they’re taking care of, it also adds excitement once it blooms or bears fruit. Keeping track of their progress such as taking pictures or notes would also help a lot.