The online world has changed everything, including jobs for teens! And summer is a great time to jump in to learn new marketable skills! Even if your kids don’t make a ton of money initially, they might discover a whole new way of interacting with the world! And with the global, gig economy that they’ll be living and working in, that’s a win all the way around!
Below, we’ve compiled a list of great summer jobs for your tweens and teens that are all online!
Artist
There used to be this idea that all artists were starving, but with online opportunities, it’s so easy to reach a global market. Budding artists can sell through established sites like Etsy, start their own website or even do live sales on social media sites.
Blogger
Successful bloggers bound; they make money with ads, product promotions, affiliate programs and selling their own eBooks and products. For teens who have a specific interest, blogging might be great. Set a writing schedule, reach out to favorite vendors and start building an audience!
Is your kiddo good with numbers and organized, learning bookkeeping is a great way to generate some income. Small businesses are often on the lookout for honest, competent number crunchers to keep them on track. Learning popular programs, like QuickBooks, will create even more marketability!
Content Creator
Every business needs online content. Everything from articles to short videos for social media, to training materials! If your student can create a good copy, is confident in front of a camera, or understands graphic design, becoming a content creator might be a perfect fit for them!
Copywriting
Every business needs a copy. From sales copy, to emailing and social media, there is always a job for a solid writer; especially one who can turn a phrase and get the sale!
Create and sell Educational Materials
From printables to unit studies, people of all ages are making money on ther own websites as well as at places like Teachers Pay Teachers. The best content is easy to use, fun and colorful, has clear objectives and shows a clear success path.
eBook Author
Creating eBooks up levels the copywriting opportunity. Many businesses use eBooks for training, opt-ins and as products. Being able to take a concept and turn it into an eBook is definitely a marketable skill!
Give Your Kids the Gift of Freedom!
Learning Entrepreneurial skills will be useful throughout your teen’s life, particularly in the global, gig economy in which they’ll be working! Our 1 semester class gives your kids practical, applicable, marketable tools to equip them for success! Shark Tank challenges make True North Academy’s Entrepreneurship class a engaging win for everyone!
Entrepreneurship can take many forms- from creating the product, providing a service or re-selling. Understanding the basics of Entrepreneurship allows our kids to see opportunities in new ways and around many corners!
Understanding the basics of a graphics program like Canva gives your kids the skills necessary to create flyers, eBooks, social media graphics, and so much more! Offer graphic design as a stand alone or pair it with blogging, content creation and entrepreneurship for a winning combo!
Teach your kids the basics of investment and let them play the stock market. Give them a set amount of money- save $100- and a specific time to invest. Help them track their earnings and losses. You might be training the next Warren Buffet!
Online reseller
We have a friend who went to thrift stores to find Revere ware pot lids. He listed them by number and corresponding pot and made thousands each year- off of selling pot lids! Seriously folks, find something that people are always looking for- like parts for board games- find a place to find the parts and sell online. Again, it’s a global market and connecting people to the little things that they are looking for in life is something many people are willing to pay for.
Of course, students can learn to do graduation, baby or wedding pictures. They can also sell stock photos, or provide image based content to other content creators, bloggers and small businesses.
Podcast personality
Podcasting is booming right now. It’s a great way for teens to develop so many skills, particularly if they interview others for their show. Home in on a topic, and then plan out the first several podcasts, decide the length of time, add some graphics, hop on Audacity and learn some basic editing and get recording! Gather a following and add sponsorships and vendors.
Professional Organizer
Does your teen has the gift of organization, there’s no reason why they need to be limited to local. Organizing clothes, offices, kids rooms- people are always on the lookout for great ideas that will help them live their best life!
Review for Profit and Product
Have you ever left a review on Yelp or Amazon? Get official and do reviews for fun and profit. This is a form of copywriting, so students should learn how to write an honest- and helpful review and get free products, experiences and opportunities!
This class focuses on vocational and career exploration. Students will understand their strengths, challenges, and more as they prepare to launch as adults in a complex, digital, and fast-changing world!
Students will leave class with a Personal Pathway based on strengths, interests, passions, and gifting paired with real-world career exploration.
The student will identify spheres of possibility instead of a single job or career.
Students will also create an occupational interest inventory.
Have a teen that loves to take videos? Learn some skills and hire yourself out for events, like proposals, weddings, graduations and reunions.
Virtual Assistants
Virtual Assistants can do many things, from managing emails and messages, to social media page and group moderating, to helping with marketing campaigns. Teens can focus on a specific social media or aspect of marketing or get training as a generalist. There are great training programs online -some free and others that cost.
With free publishing capabilities innovative teens can go online, share their expertise or opinions, gather a following. Having a specific focus helps as does learning about SEO, having a cover graphic, promoting and more.
While many of these “jobs” weren’t around even a few years ago, there really is so much opportunity online. And while the term “digital native” is a bit of a misnomer, most teens seem to adapt and learn new tech quickly. So, why not let them dive into the online world, build some skills, learn, fail and possibly develop some lifelong interests and even career specialties!
Summertime is a great time for your kids to dive into the world of paid work. Not only will they earn spending money or money to invest, but they’ll gain valuable life skills!
Accreditation plays a significant role in ensuring that organizations meet certain standards and quality controls. However, when it comes to homeschooling, the value of accreditation has been a subject of debate. While accreditation can provide certain benefits, it is essential to consider the specific circumstances and needs of homeschooling families. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of accreditation, its implications for homeschoolers, and discuss whether it is a necessary requirement or merely a marketing tool. Ready to go? Let’s jump in!
Understanding Accreditation
Accreditation is a process through which an accrediting board assesses an organization’s adherence to predetermined standards. While accreditation can be an indication of quality, it is crucial to note that accrediting boards vary significantly in their criteria. Just because a school or program is accredited does not automatically guarantee superior educational outcomes. Accreditation is often an expensive endeavor, and can sometimes be more of a marketing tool than an actual standard of quality.
The Impact of Accreditation
One consequence of accreditation is the potential requirement for schools to employ licensed teachers, many of whom may have left the public-school system. However, having accredited status and licensed teachers does not necessarily guarantee a superior education. It simply ensures conformity to specific standards. As a homeschooling parent, it is important to ask relevant questions to understand the implications of accreditation on the educational experience for your child. Is the Ph.D. with years of teaching experience but licensing credential now disqualified from teaching?
Specific Considerations for Homeschoolers
When considering the role of accreditation in homeschooling, several factors come into play. First, it is important to inquire about the type of accreditation a program or institution holds and the scope of oversight by the accrediting agency. Additionally, understanding how accreditation affects the cost of classes and the percentage of teachers from the public-school system can provide valuable insights.
Moreover, as a homeschooler, it is crucial to determine whether being a licensed teacher is a requirement for teaching with a particular company. Exploring the experience of the homeschooling community within the organization can also shed light on its compatibility with your homeschooling philosophy. Understanding the homeschooling regulations are important as well. But rest assured, it is not a requirement in any state that homeschoolers go through an accredited program to homeschool!
Everything You need to Know About High School!Based on years of working with homeschool students around the world as well as working with colleges and graduate programs, you’ll find everything you need to not only survive, but thrive as you homeschool high school!
When Accreditation Matters
It’s not when you think. Most colleges and universities aren’t going to care if your student graduated from an accredited program or not. They are going to consider the student’s test scores and transcripts.
When does it matter? If you live in a handful of states that will not accept high school homeschooling credits in the high school program, and you intend to re-enroll your student back into high school, participating in an accredited program could be worth considering. Otherwise, it literally doesn’t matter at the high school level.
Once a student enters college, it’s important to attend an accredited college or university if you would want those credits to transfer for any reason. Colleges and universitates will rarely, if ever, transfer credits from a non-accredited institution. They will state their accrediting agency clearly on their website, or you can call the Admissions Department and ask for that information.
Weighing the Cost and Benefits
It is essential to consider the cost-benefit analysis of accreditation for homeschooling families. Accreditation can be an expensive endeavor, and these costs may ultimately be passed on to the consumer. Most colleges, universities, tech schools, internships, and jobs primarily focus on test scores, applications, essays, and references when evaluating applicants and rarely, if ever, even consider accreditation.
The Role of Non-accredited Institutions
Non-accredited homeschooling programs often establish their own standards and prioritize meeting the unique needs of their customers. The market demands accountability and correction when necessary, allowing families to have more flexibility and choice in their homeschooling journey.
In Conclusion
Accreditation in the homeschooling realm is a complex topic. Most parents have heard the term, but are not really clear about what it means, or just how important – or not- accreditation is. While accreditation may hold importance for post-high school education, its value for homeschoolers is questionable and heavily dependent on individual circumstances. Ultimately, it is crucial for homeschooling families to carefully evaluate the role of accreditation and make their own wise choices.
Are you a busy homeschooling mom struggling to find activities that engage your older kids while teaching them essential life skills?
Look no further; gardening is a wonderful way to bring learning to your everyday life. Read more to find out how growing a garden to develop life skills for older kids will be a beneficial part of your homeschooling day.
Bringing on Experience
Discovering the wonders of gardening with my kids was an eye-opening experience. It was amazing to see them develop essential life skills through their gardening experiences.
One of my kids, now 21, really took to it, and after working alongside me for a while, he secured a job at a nearby organic farm when he was just 17. It was incredible to watch him apply the skills he learned in the garden, and see him blossom into a respected young adult.
Garden skills that contributed to his growth:
He worked 8 hours a day planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting through the hot summer months without complaining.
He found so much joy in accomplishing tasks with his hands and then knowing that what he did made a difference.
He used his sense of responsibility to get to this job on time and not leave until the job was done.
He understood the life cycles of plants and was able to come back and teach me more in the garden. His knowledge became invaluable.
Now, he dreams of someday getting married and moving to a small piece of property and farming with his kids because gardening taught him so much that he wants to pass that on to the next generation.
Gaining Perspective: Where It Comes From
Gardening offers a great opportunity to teach kids about where food comes from and how much tastier it is when it is homegrown. It also helps kids develop important life skills like planning and managing their time effectively.
When I teach families how to start a garden, I always start with what they like to eat. Looking at those foods, even if processed, I ask them to see what parts of their favorite foods originally came from a garden. Pizza for instance has tomatoes for the sauce and any veggies as a topping. Spaghetti sauce is all about the tomatoes and basil, parsley, oregano, and possibly garlic and onion. It all started from a garden and learning to grow things that can become something they like to eat is a beautiful process.
Start the idea of gardening by creating a list of foods that your family would like to grow together. I worked with a family who had never been to a farmers’ market or tasted food fresh from a garden. Once they did a taste test of things they bought at a farmers’ market, their whole perspective changed.
Tasting fresh food gave them excitement to start making a plan to grow their own food.
Botany
Join fellow True North Academy students this year for an exciting, unique look at the world of plants! Content will include plant anatomy, appreciating herbs & medicinal plants, foraging, gardening & more! Students will learn how to keep a science notebook, as well as participate in labs. This class is suited for junior high students (6th-8thth grade) can be used as a high school elective!
Family Time Management: Planning and Growing a Garden Together
By working together to grow a garden small or large, your family can learn to plan, schedule, and collaborate effectively while enjoying the food from your garden. Plus, the sense of shared accomplishment and satisfaction that comes from watching your little plants grow into thriving vegetables or beautiful flowers is priceless.
After you know what you want to grow, grab a calendar and start looking for first and last frost dates for your area. These don’t have to be exact, just an estimate.
Next write down when your average highs and low temperatures are for each month.
Here are some guidelines to help you grow in the right seasons:
Cool seasoned crops grow between 35-75 degrees in your area.
Warm seasoned crops grow between 65-85 degrees in your area
Hot seasoned crops grow 85 degrees and hotter in your area
Use these guidelines to start thinking about planning out your garden. Having a sense of your garden seasons, as a family, start charting out times to prepare a spot for a garden, decide when to add plants to the garden for success with temperatures, and make a plan to water and take care of what you have planted.
Sense of Responsibility: Growing as you Grow a Garden
Taking responsibility is a crucial aspect of personal growth and development, and there’s no better place to start than with maintaining a garden.
From watering to weed pulling, understanding the importance of taking care of a garden means understanding the impact it has on the surrounding environment and community. In addition to mastering the practical skills involved in gardening, a sense of responsibility also requires remembering to tend to the tasks at hand and making a commitment to follow through.
The results of a well-maintained garden can serve as a visual representation of the progress and success that can be achieved when one takes ownership of their work and strives to constantly improve.
As a family, take the time to evaluate what is going on in the garden at each stage of the season. Then brainstorm how to improve or celebrate the successes no matter how big or small.
Growing Patience: The Art of Waiting for Your Garden to Grow
Patience truly is a virtue, especially for gardeners. It’s easy to get excited about creating a beautiful garden, but it’s important to remember that plants need time to grow and produce veggies and fruits.
Teaching patience can be difficult to do but the natural process of waiting for a backyard garden to grow gives you space to learn.
In fact, gardening can teach us all about the importance of taking time to listen to nature and to ourselves. Embracing the art of patience and enjoying the journey as much as the destination is a beautiful gift that a garden gives.
Family Social Skills: Communication, Relationship Building, and Problem Solving
We all know how important it is to have good social skills, especially when it comes to interacting with our family members.
Whether it’s figuring out how to keep a garden growing or spending time learning from each other, building strong relationships and problem solving together can make all the difference.
By actively listening to one another, sharing our thoughts and ideas, and working towards common goals, we can deepen our connections with those closest to us and develop the skills needed to effectively navigate the ups and downs of everyday life.
Garden Confidence: How Growing Food Boosts Kids’ Self-Esteem
Self-confidence is a crucial aspect of a child’s development especially as they get older.
One way to boost self-confidence is by letting kids grow food in their own garden. Witnessing the miracle of a seed turning into a sprout, and then into a thriving plant, is a thrilling experience.
As older kids care for and watch their plants grow over time, they begin to realize that they are capable of great things. This newfound sense of confidence not only impacts their ability to garden but spills over into other areas of their life. When kids grow in their own abilities, they also grow in self-confidence, and that is a powerful combination.
Let’s get you started in growing a garden with your older kids.
Here are a few ideas to get started:
Ask each person in the family to write down their 3 top veggies and 2 top fruits that they love to eat.
Find a farmers’ market near you and have each family member pick out one fruit or veggie from the market. Then go to a grocery store and pick the same fruit or veggie. Take the food home and have a taste test of each set of fruits and veggies. Compare which one’s taste best. Growing your own food from home will be like having your own fresh food from a farmers’ market.
Make a list of the foods that your family wants to grow.
Pick 2-3 foods and find out when to plant those foods in your area.
Wait for the right timing and grab a container with nutrient-rich soil. Go to a local nursery and buy either seeds or transplants.
Use the above temperatures to know when to plant for each season.
Gardening with older kids is a great opportunity to introduce and develop the knowledge, responsibilities, and patience needed to properly care for living things.
A backyard garden provides children with communication, social skills, and teamwork – all essential components to reaching success in their everyday lives. From gaining a better appreciation of nature and its value to boosting self-confidence, the benefits are endless.
Take this opportunity and launch your family into a journey that will last a lifetime. Start bringing a sense of increased emotional wellbeing and improved relationships through gardening together. Don’t wait any longer; take the first step today and gather your family team together to start a garden!
Alicia has been homeschooling for the past 16 years and is a mom of 3 kids. She has a master’s degree in education and has become a certified Gardenary Garden designer and coach. With her kids as her inspiration, gardening has become an essential part of their homeschooling day. She wants to help other homeschooling families create spaces to grow, learn, and breathe. Follow her to learn more about gardening. You can find her gardening and teaching over at Create My Garden.
When I started homeschooling over 16 years ago, I knew that my children would be learning how to read, how to write, how to do mathematics, science, geography, and history. One thing I did not expect or even think about teaching them was the survival skill of gardening.
Then 10 years ago, my oldest son, who was 10 at the time, asked to grow a veggie backyard garden. I knew nothing about gardening. I didn’t have a clue how to start or even understand how this activity could fit in our homeschooling day.
My life was already full. I was surviving the dishes, the laundry, the meals, the schooltime, and a crazy life with three diverse and amazing kids. Adding one more thing to my plate felt too overwhelming. But we decided to start a garden. And I’m so thankful that we did.
From that small garden, our little family learned so many important life skills that also helped their learning processing. In this article you will discover how to boost and enhance learning for your K-3 child through gardening experiences.
Improve Thinking Skills Through Hands-On Learning by Gardening
As technology becomes more evasive in our kids’ everyday lives, it’s easy to forget the value of outside learning and hands-on experiences.
Recent studies have shown that getting kids involved in activities like gardening can actually boost brain development and social engagement. When children participate in hands-on learning experiences, they are able to better connect with and remember the information they are learning.
Taking your science outside each week during your homeschooling day, to grow a garden gives your family time to process and watch things change slowly. In this world of quick responses, our kids need the space to slow down and just relax. In a garden, that space is there just for them.
Science Exploration for Young Learners!
Have a kiddo who can’t get enough of hands on leanring? Our Science Exploration A and Science Exploration B classes are just what you are looking for! Weekly experiments that challenge, inspire and delight!
Topics include Biology, Marine Biology, Zoology, Botany, Human Anatomy, Physiology. No textbook needed!
Connecting School Learning with Real Life
It’s more important than ever to engage your kids in meaningful, practical experiences with their “normal” homeschooling studies like reading, science, and mathematics.
Gardening provides an excellent opportunity to do just that. By getting their hands dirty and digging into the world of plants and growing food, your kids are able to see how math, science, and language arts all come together in tangible, hands-on ways.
Whether they are measuring the pH levels of soil or writing descriptive essays about the plants they see growing, students are able to truly understand how these academic subjects relate to the real world. Gardening is a great way to enhance learning and help students connect their everyday studies to their everyday experiences.
Creating Bonding Experiences Naturally by Gardening
There are so many benefits of working together on a family garden project. Not only does it create a beautiful space filled with fresh veggies and flowers, but it also provides quality family time.
With everyone pitching in and contributing to the project, kids learn important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
By encountering obstacles together, they learn to work through disagreements and develop a sense of camaraderie that can carry over into other areas of life. In addition to the practical benefits, there is also something incredibly rewarding about watching something grow and thrive as a family.
When I think back to those homeschooling days that all three of my kids were outside planting, observing, processing, and talking together, I just smile at the memories that will be with our family forever.
Learning to Eat What You Grow
As parents, we all want our children to eat healthy and understand the importance of nourishing their bodies. But in our modern world of fast food and convenience, it can be easy to lose sight of where our food actually comes from.
That’s why it’s so important to teach kids about the cycle of food and help them understand the source of their meals. When we take the time to show our children how fruits and vegetables grow and how food gets from the garden to the table, we help them develop an appreciation for nature and the hard work that goes into producing the meals we enjoy.
Plus, when kids understand where their food comes from, they’re more likely to make healthy choices and value the importance of good nutrition throughout their lives.
I purposefully plant snap peas next to our house every fall and spring. As my youngest with autism and I leave or come into the house from the backyard, we both automatically grab snap peas and start munching. Somedays, that is the only green veggie I’m able to get him to eat. But he will eat those organic greens because he helped me plant those seeds. He helped me grow them.
Build Self-Confidence by Gardening
Gardening is an ideal way to help kids build their self-confidence. Not only does it provide a sense of achievement, but it also offers opportunities for self-control, decision-making, and problem-solving.
In particular, gardening can teach kids the importance of problem-solving. When plants aren’t growing as they should be, kids can learn to troubleshoot the problem and try different solutions until they find success.
This process enables them to become more confident in their abilities and equips them with the skills they need to overcome challenges in other areas of their lives. Furthermore, gardening provides a serene environment for children to engage in self-reflection and processing time, leading to a more confident and assured future.
My oldest son, who started this garden experience for our family, would often be seen in our first garden outside away from the noise or the expectations of being in the house. The garden gave him a space to use his senses, to calm down, and to enjoy just being.
That little garden became more than just a life skill. It became a way of life, break from the normal activities of survival. A space where each of my little family could grow as people as they watched their garden grow.
I want to encourage you to start a small garden, whether it is a few containers, a vertical planter, or a raised bed. Start a space to grow some food. Use the garden as a learning experience that I know will become invaluable to your kids and you. Start giving your kids this amazing experience of growing a garden together.
Grab your FREEBIE Printable!
From Seed to Sweet- how to grow a watermelon in a pot!
Tips to Start a Container Garden with Your Kids:
Check out this list of tips on growing your first garden in containers.
Choose the right containers: Select containers that are big enough to hold soil and plants, but small enough for your kids to handle. Look for pots with drainage holes to avoid overwatering.
Pick easy-to-grow plants: Start with easy-to-grow plants like herbs, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce that grow well in containers and don’t require a lot of maintenance. You can also consider starting with seedlings instead of seeds to make the process easier.
Prep the soil: Fill the containers with organic raised bed mix, which is specially formulated for container gardening. You can also add organic compost to provide extra nutrients for your plants.
Get planting: Have your kids help with planting the seeds or seedlings in the containers. Do not follow the seed packets for spacing. Plant closer than recommended in an intensive style of growing.
Water and care for your plants: Set a schedule for watering and caring for your plants. Have your kids help with tasks like watering, pruning, and harvesting. This will teach them responsibility and give them a sense of ownership over the garden.
Enjoy the fruits (and veggies): Once your plants start to grow and produce, enjoy the fruits (and veggies) of your hard work! Use them in recipes or simply enjoy them fresh from the garden.
Starting a backyard container garden with your kids can be a great way to bond, learn, and have fun together. With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and productive garden that your whole family can enjoy.
Botany
Join fellow True North Homecshool Academy students this year for an exciting, unique look at the world of plants! Content will include plant anatomy, appreciating herbs & medicinal plants, foraging, gardening & more! Students will learn how to keep a science notebook, as well as participate in labs. This class is suited for junior high students (6th-8thth grade) can be used as a high school elective !
Alicia has been homeschooling for the past 16 years and is a mom of 3 kids. She has a master’s degree in education and has become a certified Gardenary Garden designer and coach. With her kids as her inspiration, gardening has become an essential part of their homeschooling day. She wants to help other homeschooling families create spaces to grow, learn, and breathe. Follow her to learn more about gardening. You can find her gardening and teaching over at Create My Garden.
Who wants to add one more thing to your day? Not me! As a busy homeschooling mom, you have your hands full keeping the kids learning, feeding everyone, and keeping up with the household tasks. As a homeschooling mom myself for the past 16 years, I understand how busy it gets, especially when the kids are young.
Looking back at my years of when I was homeschooling 3 kids under the age of 5, I didn’t want to add another thing to my plate, especially not something that I didn’t feel confident in doing with my kids. Gardening was one of those things that felt too overwhelming.
What I didn’t realize, and I wish someone would have said to me was, “Hey, you can start small and grow your garden knowledge with your kids. You don’t have to be perfect or know it all. It can be a fun and simple part of learning and living.”
Starting a small garden or space to grow food and flowers doesn’t have to take much time. Beginning this growing process now will help you and your kids build amazing skills that will benefit your whole family in the future. Not to mention, it’s a fun family activity for everyone.
In this blog post, I’ll show you can enhance your early learner’s gardening experience by providing captivating activities that will get them excited about exploring plants and insects in their own backyard by making gardening fun!
Let’s jump in to how to make gardening and homeschooling with young kids easy and possible.
Step 1: Introduce your Kids to the Wonders of Gardening
Encouraging your early learner to get their hands dirty and explore the joys of gardening can be a rewarding experience. Not only do they get the chance to enjoy time outside, but they can learn about the miracle of watching seeds grow and develop skills such as patience and responsibility along the way.
Activity Idea:Start with Simple Plants
For young kids,it’s essential to select plants that are easy to grow and care for. Let them pick out a few seed packets with bright, appealing colors that can grow in their own pots or garden area. Some of the easiest plants to cultivate include sunflowers, cucumbers, basil, and marigolds. When they start to see things growing, it will kick start a love for gardening.
By introducing your little ones to gardening, they can learn about the different types of plants and flowers and gain an appreciation for the natural world around them. Watching their faces light up as they witness the first signs of growth is a joyous moment, and a memory that will stay with them for years to come.
Activity Idea:Garden Read Aloud
One way to get your little ones ready to garden is to read books on gardening. A picture book can share vocabulary and concepts that will make it easier to grow a garden. Check out picture books from the library that are easy for young children to comprehend as you embark on this gardening fun.
Have a student who can’t get enough of hands on Science? Science Exploration A and
Science Exploration B
For students who can’t get enough Science, for Mom’s who don’t want to figure out Science Experiments on their own and for kids who never fell in love with scientific discovery, these classes are for you! Weekly science experiments that keep your kids engaged, focused and ready for more!
Step 2: Create a Garden Planning Checklist with Your Kiddos
Do you want to teach your kiddo some important processing skills while enjoying the outdoors? Planning ahead and focusing on a task are valuable life skills that can be easily learned through gardening.
Creating a garden planning checklist together with your little one is a fun way of introducing them to the idea of planning. Draw out pictures and add words to make the experience even more comprehensible. Not only will this be an educational experience, but it will also allow your child to take ownership of their little garden patch.
Whether it’s choosing the perfect spot in your backyard, or deciding which plants to grow, working on a garden plan with your young learner will help them learn and develop vital planning skills that will be useful in all aspects of their life.
Step 2: Create a Garden Planning Checklist with Your Early Learner
Do you want to teach your young student some important processing skills while enjoying the outdoors? Planning ahead and focusing on a task are valuable life skills that can be easily learned through gardening.
Creating a garden planning checklist together with your little one is a fun way of introducing them to the idea of planning. Draw out pictures and add words to make the experience even more comprehensible. Not only will this be an educational experience, but it will also allow your child to take ownership of their little garden patch.
Whether it’s choosing the perfect spot in your backyard, or deciding which plants to grow, working on a garden plan with your preschooler will help them learn and develop vital planning skills that will be useful in all aspects of their life.
Step 4: Pick a Sunny Spot for Planting in the Garden
The best sunny location is one that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. With the right conditions, you can grow all sorts of delicious vegetables and herbs, from juicy cherry tomatoes to fragrant basil. Some other great options for sunny spots include peppers, cucumbers, and zucchini.
Of course, what you choose to grow will depend on your personal preferences and what grows best in your area. But with a little research and some careful planning, you can create a thriving garden filled with all sorts of delicious and nutritious produce.
Talk About the Life Cycle of Plants as You Plant Together
Planting a garden together is not only a fun activity, but it’s also an educational experience for all ages. As you plant together, take the opportunity to talk about the life cycle of a seed to a plant. Explaining the stages of germination, growth, flowering, and reproduction can be fascinating, especially for children.
Watching the seedlings sprout and grow into mature plants can be an exciting process filled with wonder and anticipation. By teaching about the life cycle of plants, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the amazing process that allows a tiny seed to transform into a flourishing garden.
Step 5: Make Gardening Fun with Hands-on Activities
Gardening is one of the most rewarding hobbies to pick up, but it can be hard to keep things interesting. Luckily, there are many ways you can use your gardening space for more than just growing plants.
Activity Idea:Create a Sensory Garden
Kids love to explore and get their hands dirty, so create a sensory garden where they can touch, smell, and taste different plants. Add flowers like roses, honeysuckles for sniffing, and marigolds to decorate their spaces with colors. Herb plants like mint, chamomile, and lavender are great for tasting and smelling.
One of the best ways to keep your kids engaged is to make gardening a science time. Gardening is an activity that provides hands-on experiences which help young children understand the natural world around them and themselves.
The possibilities are endless, from watching a seed sprout to attracting beneficial organisms like ladybugs with flowers to measuring plant growth to understand the lifecycle of your plants.
In Summary:
Gardening is a fun activity for preschoolers and adults alike. With the right tools, you can give your preschooler an introduction to the wonders of gardening.
It’s important to create a garden planning checklist with your preschooler so that they know what to do and how to do it. You’ll also need to get supplies for planting together and pick a sunny spot in the garden so that the plants have enough sunlight.
As you plant together, talk about the life cycle of plants as well as other hands-on science activities that will make gardening fun.
Alicia has been homeschooling for the past 16 years and is a mom of 3 kids. She has a master’s degree in education and has become a certified Gardenary Garden designer and coach. With her kids as her inspiration, gardening has become an essential part of their homeschooling day. She wants to help other homeschooling families create spaces to grow, learn, and breathe. Follow her to learn more about gardening.
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Google Analytics is a powerful tool that tracks and analyzes website traffic for informed marketing decisions.
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Klaviyo is a marketing automation platform designed for e-commerce businesses to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
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Stripe is a payment processing platform that enables businesses to accept online payments securely and efficiently.
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