"A weed is just a plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered."
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Today is Dandelion Day, and we have had our eyes opened to the "virtues" of the dandelion!
Since having children, the sight of a dandelion has always warmed my heart. When a dandelion is spotted, my children's eyes light up as if they've found pure GOLD! They take off, full speed, to pick it. Giving it to me with a beaming smile. They know that in return, they'll receive a smile, huge hug, and a kiss.
Here are a few tidbits we learned & what we did to celebrate Dandelion Day.
- The name dandelion comes from the French word "dents-de-lion" (meaning: teeth of the lion) in reference to the edges of the leaf shaped similar to lion's teeth.
- The stalk is hollow and you can blow it to make "music". Varying the length changes the sound.
- Discussed vibration & sound.
- Colored and labeled this dandelion coloring sheet
- Pressed a dandelion for nature journals.
- Brainstormed wishes: blowing dandelion's fluff with one breath--blowing out all your birthday candles -- breaking a wishbone--tossing coins in a fountain.
- Discussed how the akene (seed) travels in the air like a parachute..various ways animals & humans scatter seeds
- Made a parachute
We are finishing up our unit on George Washington Carver. My children were impressed with the various uses of the peanut. To our surprise, the dandelion is used for more than Dandelion Salad.
Have you ever had Dandelion Tea, Dandelion Root Coffee, Dandelion syrup, Dandelion Soup, Dandelion Wine, or Dandelion Jelly? The dandelion is also used medicinally.
Books:
A Dandelion's Life by John Himmelman
The Dandelion Seed by Joseph P. Anthony
Dandelions: Stars in the Grass by Mia Posada
Dandelions by Don Freeman
Music:
Listen to the Dandelion Song - (scroll to bottom of the page)
Great post & great links - thanks for the reminder of the "loveliness" of dandelions.
Posted by: MaryM | April 12, 2007 at 02:06 AM