Jane Hirschi and the educators at CitySprouts present directions for 20 activities to learn about nature in their book, We Garden Together. Guided by their mission to cultivate wonder and curiosity in all children through urban gardening, the authors provide step by step directions or hands on learning about a range of subjects from growing a sweet potato buddy to measuring with a dibble. By using the activities in this book, parents can can set their preschooler on a lifelong path of discovering, appreciating and taking care of the natural world.
The projects are divided up into 4 groups: Plant, Grow, Eat, and Discover. The first group includes such activities as a seed hunt, and planting a salad, while the 2nd group involves making a garlic growth chart, and going on a neighborhood plant walk. The Eating group of activities has children making figures out of food on their plates, and sprouting seeds to make a nutritious snack, while the last group, Discover, comprises 6 activities that involve animals such as worms, snails, bees, butterflies and birds. All the activities have a two page spread featuring simple numbered steps, several photographs with kids involved in the activities, and questions to stimulate close observation, curiosity and discussion. The emphasis throughout the book is on giving young children the opportunity to learn through their senses about three main themes: the characteristics of all living things, how living things change over time, and the interconnectedness of all parts of the natural world.
The variety of activities from crafts to planting and building invites young children to explore and learn in different ways. The activities require very few materials and can be done at home even if a garden is not available. Designed for children 3-6 years old, in preschool to grade 1, the book is an excellent choice for an introduction to connect and learn about the natural world.
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