Waldorf; Budding Botanists: A Study of Spring Botanicals- Science, Stories, Art

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

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 Winter, weather, and what plants need in order to survive. Each story will have facts about the botanical and the season woven into fiction.

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 welcomed 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, or 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)
Importance of bees and other pollinators
Plant adaptations to their environment

Snowdrop Flowers
Explore the first blooms of spring by learning about snowdrop flowers, their resilience in cold weather, and creating delicate snowdrop-themed crafts.

Maple Syrup
Discover how maple trees produce sap in the spring, learn the process of making maple syrup, and enjoy a sweet treat while exploring the science of tapping trees.

Photosynthesis
Uncover the magic of how plants make their own food using sunlight, water, and air through simple experiments and a playful photosynthesis dance.

Parts of a Flower
Learn about the different parts of a flower—petals, stamens, pistils, and more—through hands-on dissection and creative flower-building activities.

Anatomy of a Seed
Investigate what’s inside a seed, explore how seeds sprout, and plant seeds to watch their transformation from tiny beginnings to green shoots.

Bulbs, Tubers, and Roots
Dig into the world of underground plant parts, discovering how bulbs, tubers, and roots store energy to help plants thrive in spring.

Pollination
Meet the pollinators! Learn how bees, butterflies, and other pollinators help flowers turn into fruits and seeds.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelions are ubiquitous spring-blooming flowers known for their bright yellow blooms and distinctive puffy seed heads. While often considered a weed, dandelions are edible and have a long history of medicinal and culinary uses.

Tulip (Tulipa spp.): Tulips are one of the most iconic spring flowers, known for their vibrant and diverse colors. They come in various shapes and sizes, with cup-shaped or star-shaped blooms atop tall, slender stems.

Daffodil (Narcissus spp.): Daffodils, also known as narcissus or jonquils, feature trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of yellow, white, and orange. They symbolize renewal and are often associated with the arrival of spring.

Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis): Hyacinths are fragrant spring flowers that grow in dense clusters of small, bell-shaped blooms. They come in a range of colors, including purple, pink, blue, and white, and are prized for their intense scent.

Cherry Blossom (Prunus spp.): Cherry blossoms are delicate and ephemeral flowers that adorn cherry trees in early spring. Their pale pink or white blossoms create a stunning display, symbolizing the transient beauty of life.

Forsythia (Forsythia spp.): Forsythias are deciduous shrubs that burst into bloom in early spring, before their leaves emerge. They produce masses of bright yellow flowers along their bare branches, signaling the arrival of warmer weather.

Crocus (Crocus spp.): Crocuses are petite, early-blooming flowers that often emerge through the snow, making them a symbol of hope and resilience. They come in various colors, including purple, white, and yellow, and have cup-shaped blooms.

Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Lilacs are beloved for their fragrant clusters of small, tubular flowers that bloom in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. They typically bloom in mid to late spring, filling the air with their sweet scent.

Iris (Iris spp.): Irises are elegant, sword-shaped flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. They come in a wide array of colors and patterns, with intricate markings on their petals, attracting pollinators with their vibrant blooms.

Peony (Paeonia spp.): Peonies are large, showy flowers with lush, ruffled petals that bloom in late spring to early summer. They come in a range of colors, including pink, red, white, and coral, and are prized for their fragrance and beauty.

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis): Bleeding hearts are unique spring-blooming flowers that feature heart-shaped, pendulous blooms in shades of pink and white. They dangle gracefully from arching stems, adding a touch of whimsy to the spring garden.