Growing and Using Herbs

In this class kids will learn to identify common weeds and other plants that can become their friends. We will identify and use plantain, dandelions, cinnamon, pine and violets.  We will also learn about the history of some traditional uses of the plants. 
 We will cover plant identification and the importance of correctly identifying plants you use. We will learn the scientific names of the plants and why it is important to know these.  We will discuss different types of things you can make from plants-teas, lotions, elixirs, extracts, beauty products and more. Not only that, but we will make some simples, and potions for personal use. 
 Day 1- Common plants you can find just about anywhere- what are common names? What are the scientific names? Starting an herbal journal. What is a plant ally? -There will be a homework assignment.   Today we will learn specifically about Pine and make a great cleaning agent using pine needles and vinegar.
Day 2 - Learn how to sketch your plant allies. There will be a homework assignment. scuss other ways plantain has been used traditionally. Learn about the differences between  simples,  tisanes, infusions and tinctures.  Simples have few ingredients, usually just one.  A tisane is an infusion made from the leaves, roots, berries, and spices of plants. Today we will learn about Dandelions and how to identify dandelions and some nutritional benefits of dandelion. 
Day 3- Continue potions making using the information we have learned. Today we will learn how to make an herbed vinegar for a delicious addition to salads; Cinnamon tea for soothing a sore throat, and I will provide a list of information for further study and how to access the information. 
General daily format: 5 minutes: Welcome- Brainteasers; 20 minutes: introduction of the day's lesson with presentation and demonstrations. 20 minutes- hands on learning and practice.  (Some days one section may be longer and others shorter). 
 I teach through demonstration, examples, discussion, some short videos and by hands on learning. 
 My teaching style is informal and relaxed. I invite questions, comments and lots of sharing. 
 The class is best with interaction among students and myself and with each other. I expect students  to remain on camera throughout class as I look for expressions and body language to help me know how well students are engaging and understanding. With a lot of discussion we cannot depend on chat. Using the chat function stifles conversation and uses valuable time when we could all be learning.
I am not a doctor or a nurse. I am an herbalist. As such, I do not diagnose illness, nor do I make recommendations for use of herbs as healing agents. Our class discussions will center around traditional folklore. I will stress to students the importance of positive identification of any plant they intend to use for any purpose. Plants chosen for the class are easy to identify, non-toxic, easy to find and useful for many things other than just medicinal purposes. We will be concentrating on non-medicinal herb use.