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

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.

Following the story students will learn a variety of additional facts about the botanical including: 

Adaptations for Survival:
* How plants withstand freezing temperatures (e.g., antifreeze-like substances in sap).
* Strategies like shedding leaves to conserve energy.
* How evergreen plants keep their needles and minimize water loss.

Unique Characteristics
* Winter blooming flowers (e.g., hellebores, witch hazel) and why they bloom in colder 
   months.
* Shapes and structures of winter plants that resist snow and frost damage.
* Special pigments or waxy coatings that protect against harsh conditions.
* Botanical Functions in Winter
* How photosynthesis occurs in evergreens during shorter daylight hours.
* Root systems storing nutrients for spring growth.
* Dormancy cycles and how plants conserve energy.

Ecological Importance: 
* The role of winter plants in providing food and shelter for wildlife (e.g., berries for birds, 
   cover for small mammals).
* How winter plants help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

Cultural and Historical Connections
* Folklore or traditions related to winter plants like holly, ivy, and mistletoe.
* Uses of winter plants in herbal remedies or winter celebrations.


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

Cranberry
Dive into the story of cranberries, vibrant red berries that thrive in wetlands and are a holiday favorite. Learn how they are harvested and their role in ecosystems and traditions.

Poinsettia
Discover the poinsettia, a bright symbol of the holiday season, known for its red and green foliage. Explore its tropical origins and the science behind its colorful "flowers."

Christmas Cactus
Uncover the secrets of the Christmas cactus, a resilient plant that blooms indoors in winter with stunning pink and red flowers, brightening the darkest days.

Mistletoe
Learn about mistletoe, a mysterious parasitic plant with white berries, steeped in folklore and traditions, and its role in winter ecosystems.

Winterberry
Meet winterberry, a deciduous holly that lights up the cold season with clusters of vivid red berries, providing essential food for birds.

Winter Jasmine
Explore winter jasmine, a cheerful plant with yellow flowers that bloom in the heart of winter, adding a touch of sunshine to frosty landscapes.

Conifers
Celebrate conifers, the steadfast evergreens that provide year-round greenery, offering shelter to wildlife and beauty to snowy scenes.

Winter Blooming Camellia
Discover the elegance of winter blooming camellias, with their delicate yet hardy flowers that defy the cold in shades of pink, red, and white.

Winter Aconite
Marvel at winter aconite, one of the first signs of life after frost, with its golden blooms spreading joy as winter begins to fade.

Evergreen Leaves
Uncover the mysteries of evergreen leaves, their waxy coatings, and unique adaptations that help plants retain moisture and photosynthesize through winter.