Dandelions are those bright yellow flowers that we are starting to see in fields and in our yards right now. They are very important flowers in the spring because they are often the first food for HONEYBEES.
I thought we could start today with a story about a little Hedgehog named Dandelion.
Do you like to make Dandelion art? There are so many different ways that we can create our own dandelions and even use dandelions to create art.
This first one uses a template, but you could also give your child a black marker and talk about creating the stem and the lines that the dandelion seed holds onto.
Here’s an easy dandelion playdough recipe if you are ready to make a fresh batch.
How do dandelions grow? We love to blow their white fluffy tops, but what are those things?
Forest makers, let’s think about how seeds get planted. People aren’t always in charge of it. Plants have to find ways to move their seeds and find good places to grow. We talked about this at school when some of our friends got those itchy burdock burrs stuck in their clothes. The burdock was using kids as a way to move its seeds, right?
Do you see seeds while you are out in your yard or on a hike? Right now there are a lot of maple seeds out. Some people call them helicopters. If you find some keep them, and we can make an interesting art project with them later.
Here’s a beautiful art project that just uses a toilet paper tube and Qtips to make beautiful dandelions. You could also use a plastic dish brush dipped in white paint to make the seed head.
Do you want your child to know that dandelions are edible? I was always one of those kids munching away in the woods because my parents taught me what wild things were safe and good to eat. Over at my house I’m adding dandelion flowers and violets to our salads these days, and some of our salad greens are, yes, weeds. Here is a simple recipe for dandelion jam that I think the Honeybees would love to cook and eat.
Here’s a recipe for dandelion fritters if you are feeling adventurous.
http://www.ediblewildfood.com/dandelion-fritters.aspx
A simple pitcher of homemade lemonade is pretty exciting when it is full of bright yellow dandelion flowers.
So, why isn’t there a song called Dandelion Jam? Could you write that?Marci, are you out there? While we are waiting I have a song for you today.
Put your hands in the air and say it with me Honeybees. Wherever you are we wish you well.
