Kids everywhere are enjoying gardening. In fact, many schools have even added it to their curriculum. However, when the weather outside is too cold to dig in the dirt, it's time to be creative inside and that's where garden art helps fill the bill.
Recycled vases, crafty containers and bold garden markers have all been made by the youngsters at the Kinderberry Hill Childcare Center in Roseville, Minn. The projects were designed to get the kids excited about gardening after a long winter's nap. For teachers Erin Johnston and Laura Reuter, the garden program helps their students cultivate much more than just a hobby.
"We decided to do a garden program at Kinderberry because it teaches kids how to use things in nature and it also gives them a sense of accomplishment with what they're doing," says Erin. "They get to use their own hands and their own ideas to do things."
"We want them to learn to protect their own environment and look at things in a new and different way," says Laura. "I think it's important for them to use the materials so we can learn how to save our environment and not use all of our resources."
These teachers show first hand how much their little sprouts enjoy creating these crafts for the garden as Rebecca's Garden host Rebecca Koll joins in on the fun.
Garden Markers
Garden markers are great for indicating which fruits and vegetables have been planted in the garden. This project used glue, seeds, wooden sticks, and roam rectangles and letters to make the signs. It was a good lesson for teaching the students how to use letters and colors. The budding gardeners worked their nimble fingers, used a dash of decorating sense and a lot of glue to create their magical garden markers.
Hanging Flowerpots
These stylish flowerpots were forged from recycled two-liter soda bottles. To make them, cut a two liter bottle in half. Save the top half of the bottle for the next project. Cover the edges of the bottom half of the bottle with masking tape then punch holes on either side of the top edge. Thread pipe cleaners through the holes and twist the ends together to form the handle. Punch holes in the bottom of the pot for water drainage. Next, decorate! Glue on jewels, buttons and glitter.
Watering Cans
These practical watering cans are made from milk jugs. To make one, punch a bunch of holes near the top of one side of the milk jug so the water will drain out like a gentle rain. Use paint to turn the milk jug into a work of art. Use the top half of the two-liter bottle (left over from the flowerpot project) as a funnel for pouring water into the jug.
Guests Erin Johnston and Laura Reuter - Teachers
Kinderberry Hill Childcare Center
2360 Lexington Ave., Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: 651- 481-8069
Website:
www.kinderberryhill.com Also in this Episode
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