As we approach the end of February, the garden is beginning to wake up. These crafts are designed to help toddlers and preschoolers understand the lifecycle of plants and the importance of the tiny creatures that help our food grow.
1. The “Sun-Powered” Sunflower
Sunflowers are the giants of the garden! They always turn their faces toward the light.
- The Build: Paint the child’s palm brown and the fingers bright yellow. Press the hand down multiple times in a circle.
- The Detail: The brown palms in the center represent the seeds. Once dry, draw a long green stem and two large leaves. Talk to the kids about how we get sunflower oil and seeds from these beautiful plants.
2. The Busy Pollinator (Honeybee)
Bees are the “Engineers” of the garden. Without them, we wouldn’t have many of our favorite fruits!
- The Build: Paint the palm yellow and black in alternating stripes. Press the hand sideways.
- The Detail: The thumb becomes the head. Add two white “thumbprint” wings on top and a tiny stinger at the back. Explain how bees carry pollen from flower to flower to help them make seeds.
3. The “Juicy” Watermelon Slice
Since you’re enjoying your evening juices, this is a great way to talk about hydrating fruits.
- The Build: Paint the palm bright pink and the “heel” of the hand (the bottom edge) green. Press it down firmly.
- The Detail: Once the pink “flesh” is dry, let the kids use their pinky fingers to “dot” black seeds all over the pink area. It looks just like a fresh slice of summer!
4. The Fluttering Monarch (Butterfly)
Spring wouldn’t be complete without the arrival of butterflies.
- The Build: Paint both hands with bright orange and black patterns. Press them side-by-side with the heels of the palms touching (fingers pointing out).
- The Detail: Draw a thin black body in the center where the hands meet. Add two long antennae. This is a perfect time to talk about the “Masterpiece” of metamorphosis—how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly.
5. The “Nutritional” Carrot Patch
Carrots are great for our eyes and a staple of a healthy diet!
- The Build: Paint the hand orange and the fingers green. Press it upside down so the orange “root” is at the top.
- The Detail: The green fingers represent the leafy tops peeking out of the soil. Draw some brown “dirt” at the bottom of the page to show that carrots grow underground.
