Harvesting
Ages 2 and up (many 30-45 minute sessions)
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Objectives:
- To understand the difference between ripe and unripe produce
- To learn the joy of sharing
Materials:
- Scissors
- Baskets
- Paint chips
- Large wooden plant labels
- Hole punch
Set up:
Go to a hardware store and get paint chips in a variety of “ripe” colors. Punch holes in the paint chips and attach them to the wooden plant labels. Place them in the garden with the plant that is ripe when it is that corresponding color. For example: Tomatoes are ripe when they are red.
Part One:
Start by explaining the colored labels. Instruct the children to pick only those fruits that match the colors on the paint chips. Show them that each kind of plant has a different color. Show them what you mean by picking one ripe fruit from each vegetable choice. Don’t get upset if they pick unripe produce.
As all of you work in the garden re-enforce the difference between ripe and unripe fruit by pointing out examples. Enjoy all your hard work by making a salad and cooking some of the vegetables. Send the produce home with the children so they can share their experiences with their parents. If possible, share some of the harvest with less fortunate folks.
Questions:
What would happen if the seeds in the ripe fruit were dried and planted?
What would happen if we picked our tomatoes before they’re ripe?
Why does fruit ripen? Read a book about fried green tomatoes.
