Silkysteps early years forum - planning ideas for play

August and National Allotments week National Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners Ltd

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Our Dates for your Diary page will contain more uptodate information on a month to month basis.
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Here are a few ideas and suggestions you can use to show the children how Allotments function and why they are so important.

:idea: Do you know someone who has an allotment that can come into your group and chat to the children about the wildlife and plants that grow there. How allotments works by 'renting the land' enabling it to pass on to someone else where ever and whenever needed.
How allotments support a community of people just like the children's preschool.. ie a group of friends working together.

GROWING ...
These are some very simple activities that you can do with the children whilst your visitor is in for the session ..

Carrot tops ~ save the cut tops from your carrots and place them on a saucer of water .. watch as the leaves continue to grow (although not right in front of your eyes :wide-eyed !!)
Potatoe eyes can also grow in the same way!!
Sunflowers / Runner beans / Peas / can be tub and pot grown to show different types of plants that are grown on an allotment (as a basic example!!)
Wormery ~ make your own compost bin or wormery ITSCOLAND.org.uk has a good word.doc you can print out to make your own ..... and Silkysteps own Hope Hedgehog has some good tips on COMPOSTING and ORGANIC APHID CONTROL.

Produce for SHOWING ..

Do you know what local Horticultural shows are on in your area?
See if you can pick up some entry forms from your local organiser ... mention that you are a pre-school and they may waive any entry fees that may usually apply :wink:

Talk about the type of things that happen at the show - how flowers, handicrafts, photography, arts & crafts, cakes and much more are displayed and shown so that everyone can join in the fun of seeing what can be made!

So from The Larger Chrysanthemum Bloom to the longest carrot the hairest dog photo to the crunchiest gingerbread .. have a great time in supporting your local show :D

:spin: Your local council will have details of contacts to talk about getting an allotment - would it be possible for inner city groups to have their own allotment to tend and visit?

:thumbsup: Please add your own thought on how you'd explain the social benefits of having your own allotment ..............