There’s something magical about creek days.  The splash of cool water, the thrill of finding a critter beneath a rock, and the spark of curiosity in our children’s eyes. As homeschool moms, we have the flexibility to turn these moments into rich learning experiences. One of our favorite spring science studies is a Creek Play Day focused on macroinvertebrates the tiny, backbone-free creatures that call the creek home.

What Are Macroinvertebrates (And Why Do They Matter)?
Macroinvertebrates are animals without backbones that are large enough to be seen without a microscope. You’ve probably met a few already: crawfish, snails, and water striders are just the beginning!
These creatures aren’t just fun to find they’re also bioindicators. That means their presence (or absence) helps us understand the health of our local waterways. Studying them gives kids a real-life connection to environmental science.

For a complete lesson plan on this activity, click ​here!

Gardening with children is a fantastic way to teach them about nature, responsibility, and patience. One of the easiest and most rewarding vegetables to grow with kids is bush beans. These hearty plants are perfect for young gardeners because they are quick growers and relatively low maintenance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting bush bean seedlings with kids.

Materials Needed:
Bush bean seeds
Seedling pots or biodegradable pots
Potting soil
Watering can or spray bottle
Garden trowel
Gardening gloves (optional)
Labels and markers

Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Preparing the Seedling Pots: Start by filling your pots with potting soil. Disclaimer: gloves are optional for this part. Kids love getting their hands dirty, so get ready for some fun! Show them how to scoop the soil into pots, which helps develop their motor skills. Make sure the soil is loosely packed and not overly compacted.
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2. Planting the Seeds: Have your children poke a small hole in the center of the soil about 1 inch deep. Drop one or two bush bean seeds into each hole, then cover them lightly with soil. Explain to them how the seeds will grow into plants with proper care.

3. Watering the Seeds: Use a watering can or spray bottle to moisten the soil. Teach the kids about the importance of watering plants—enough to keep the soil moist but not so much that it becomes waterlogged.

4. Labeling the Pots: Let the kids create labels for their pots with markers. This step personalizes the experience and helps them remember which plants they are responsible for. Labeling also teaches them the importance of organization.

5. Placing the Pots: Place the pots in a sunny location. Bush beans need plenty of sunlight, so a sunny windowsill or a spot under grow lights works best. Talk to the kids about how sunlight gives the plant energy through a process known as photosynthesis.

6. Daily Care: Make it a daily activity to check on the seedlings. Kids can help water them lightly every day, ensuring the soil stays moist. This daily routine instills a sense of responsibility and excitement as they watch the seedlings sprout.

7. Transplanting to the Garden: Once the seedlings have grown to a few inches tall and the danger of frost has passed, it’s time to transplant them to the garden. Help the kids dig small holes in a sunny part of the garden. Carefully remove the seedlings from their pots, try not to disturb the roots, and plant them in the garden soil. Water them well after transplanting.

8. Watching Them Grow: Continue to care for the plants by watering them regularly and weeding the area. As the bush beans grow, show the kids how to support the plants if necessary and protect them from pests. This ongoing involvement keeps them engaged and teaches your kiddos about the plant life cycle.

9. Harvesting the Beans: In about 50-60 days, the bush beans will be ready to harvest. Let the kids pick the beans, which is often the most exciting part for kids. They’ll love tasting the fruits of their labor!

Benefits of Gardening with Kids:

• Educational: Teaches kids about plant biology, weather patterns, and the food cycle.
• Responsibility: Kids learn to care for living things and understand the importance of consistency.
• Healthy Eating: Involves kids in growing their food, making them more likely to try new vegetables.
• Quality Time: Provides an opportunity for family bonding and outdoor activity.

Planting bush bean seedlings with kids is a rewarding, fun, and educational experience. It’s a great way to spend time outdoors and teach children valuable life skills. So grab your gardening tools, gather the kids, and get ready to grow some delicious bush beans!

​We made a felt board a couple of weeks ago, and my kids are loving all the imaginative play! Felt boards are great for teaching math concepts, shapes, color sorting, and just all-around fun imaginative play. We recently added a few fun finds from Amazon focusing on community helpers and modes of transportation.   It took me around 30 minutes to create the board, and another 30 minutes to cut out all the weather shapes (which is still a work in progress) and has now turned into hours of fun, especially this morning when it rained until noon.