The children (aged 4 & 6) who live across the road are eager to return to school, or should I say their Mom is eager! Today, she had kept them busy making terrariums out of soda bottles that had been going into their recycling bins.
This evening they paid me a visit to show me their terrarium creations.
I have posted instructions below so that if you needed a last minute activity before school starts you have one to use.
The girls obviously thoroughly enjoyed the activity and are eager to see changes in the days ahead as the violets continue to grow.
The dictionary definition of a terrarium is:- a glass container enclosing a garden of small plants.
TO MAKE A TERRARIUM Obtain TWO 2 liter bottles, the clear bottles will work best as the children will be able to clearly see the water cycle and progress of growth of the plants within.
Soak off the labels and wash out the bottles carefully, then cut them both in half.
Keep the bottoms and recycle the remains to the recycle bin.
Place a layer of gravel in the bottom of one of the soda bottle bottoms and then fill half way up with potting soil.
Proceed to plant your small plants within the soil.
The girls had planted violets within their terrariums.
Water your new plants until the soil is pretty wet.
If you are using bog plants then the water can soggy! To complete, flip over the other bottom and carefully slide over the half in which you have planted your plants.
Place your terrarium in a sunny area, away from direct sunlight and observe the changes.
The direct sunlight could cause the temperature in the terrarium to be too high for your plants, so ensure your children are watchful.
Only add water when necessary.
Moisture from the terrarium should condense on the inside of the terrarium top and provide the necessary water.
A terrarium may be simple to make.
The result however, of doing this simple activity can be profound, as it provides enrichment to a child's life in ways that are very important.
By teaching a child to care for living things, they become more aware of the complexities of nature and the world surrounding them.