In this seasonal inspired class, students will learn how to be young Botanists as they explore the life cycles, identify the parts of autumn botanicals and learn how each plant thrives. 

Each class period will begin with a centering Welcome Poem that includes a mindful breath and positive affirmation. We will have a short discussion about the weather and the signs of the evolving season. As we all live in different parts of the country and world, it is always interesting to hear how our lives and both similar and different! 

Students will then be introduced to the "Botanical of the Week", which will be followed by a short story. Some stories will be told as puppet shows, while others, memoized by me, are told "from the heart". This is a Waldorf inspired class, so stories told as puppet shows include hand dyed silks, felted wool, wooden props, and other natural materials. The stories will include songs and verses about Autumn, weather, and what plants need in order to survive. Each story will have facts about the botanical and the season woven into fiction.

Following the story students will learn a variety of additional facts about the botanical including, whether it is an annual or a perennial and where it is grown natively. Students will learn about the botanicals sun tolerance, water preference, and what kind of soil or environment the botanical needs in order to thrive. 

Finally, through a guided illustration, we will depict the life cycle of the botanical. Using a second camera I will model for students how to draw and label each plant. Students will have the opportunity to recall information they have learned as we add details to the picture together. During this section I will include additional information about photosynthesis, pollination, and other fascinating facts. Students who are able, may join me is labeling their work and adding additional text. 

Students are welcome to share their illustration at the end of class and encouraged to offer positive feedback to their classmates. Each class will end with a mindful breath, positive affirmation, and goodbye verse! 

Finally, each week student will receive a packet that will include a copy of the story, facts about the weekly plant, and an activity to complete outside of class in order to reinforce the learning. 

This is an ongoing class. Students are welcome to join at any time! 

THEMES INCLUDE: 

Photosynthesis
Pollination
Parts of a flower (petals, stamen, pistil, etc.)
Life cycle of a plant
Types of leaves (simple, compound, needle-like, etc.)
Seed dispersal methods (wind, water, animals, etc.)
Different types of flowers (annuals, perennials, biennials)
Autumn Botanicals  (daffodils, tulips, cherry blossoms, etc.)
Importance of bees and other pollinators
Plant adaptations to their environment

Maple Leaves: Observe the changing colors and learn about different types of maple trees.

Oak Leaves and Acorns: Study the leaves and acorns, and learn about oak trees and their importance to wildlife.

Pumpkins: Explore pumpkin growth, parts of a pumpkin, and uses in cooking and decoration.

Apples: Learn about different apple varieties, the life cycle of an apple tree, and apple-related products.

Sunflowers: Study the growth cycle of sunflowers, their seeds, and their role in the ecosystem.

Corn (Maize): Understand the parts of a corn plant, its uses, and its historical significance.
Gourds: Explore the variety of gourds, their growth process, and decorative uses.

Mums (Chrysanthemums): Learn about their different colors, care, and their role in autumn gardens.

Pine Cones: Study the structure of pine cones, how they spread seeds, and the different types of pine trees.

Autumn Flowers (Asters and Goldenrods): Explore the varieties, colors, and the importance of these flowers in autumn pollination.

Seed Pods (Milkweed, Cottonwood): Study how seeds are dispersed and the life cycle of these plants.