The Write Start: Planting Seeds

03 June 2008

Planting Seeds

There's been a lot of talk about growing this spring. Everything we planted last year is growing -- roses, hydrangeas, honeysuckle, a birch tree. Our moonflower seedlings are finally popping up, slowly but surely. Our caterpillars are in their cocoons, waiting for wings. And Jack's little sister is growing in my belly, getting ready for her day in the sun this summer.

To continue the growing theme we read The Carrot Seed and planted some carrot seeds of our own. It's a book about growing, but also about faith, and patience, and waiting. And caretaking. What great lessons for a soon-to-be big brother.

Sprinkling the tiny seeds was a challenge for his little fingers.

Then there was backfilling, spraying, and finally, making a tag for the seeds.

And, after about 10 days of loving care from Jack (constant spraying, placing on sunny windowsills, kind and encouraging words) seedlings emerged.

Not to exhaust a metaphor, but I must say that I LOVE to pair a book with an activity. Books are the seeds of many great ideas. And it's just amazing when children make the connection between ideas and actions. It's a big deal to learn that anything you can imagine, you can create. That's the seed of writing too. And probably one of the secrets for growing a great life as well.

What books inspire you or your child to SPRING into action?

Jun 3, 2008 7:29:33 AM | growing, learning, reading, writing