Tapestry of Faith: World of Wonder: A Program on the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism for Grades K-1

Taking It Home: Life-Giving Plants

Part of World of Wonder

All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.
—Helen Hayes, American actress

In today's session... we explored the amazing abundance and diversity of plants. We heard a version of the story Noah's Wife: The Story of Naamah and role-played growing from a seed to a flower. We sang "The Garden Song" and planted seedlings. Help your child remember to water the seedling and share the wonder when the sprouts first appear.

Explore the topic together. Talk about... ways your family can engage with the UUA 2011 Statement of Conscience on Ethical Eating. In addition to congregational or community garden partnerships, there are many ideas and resources in the Ethical Eating Study Guide and on an ethical eating page on UUA.org.

Extend the topic together. Plant a garden at home, at your child's school, at your congregation, or in a community garden. Spend time in the garden during every season and live in harmony with the rhythms of life.

A family adventure. Tour a local community garden, or plan a trip to a CSA (community supported agriculture) farmer in your area. Learn more at the Local Harvest website.

Family discovery. Explore the wonderful world of herbs by doing Alternate Activity 3, Super Scents at home. Have each family member choose a favorite herb, then find recipes for dishes you can make together.

A family game. Play a garden-related game such as the Gathering a Garden eco-friendly board game. Better yet, create your own family garden game.

A family ritual. Each January, seed catalogs arrive. Obtain a seed catalog and set aside time with your family to imagine the garden you will plant in the spring. If you have a garden now, think back to the highs and lows of the previous year's garden. Choose new plantings to try this year.