The History in the Soil

There is nothing more satisfying for a child than being in nature and digging in the soil. As we see a little more sun in the sky, I know that I have wanted to get outside and get my hands in the dirt.  This is a great activity for you and your child to feel more relaxed, productive and connect with history.  

People in our town have been gardening for a long time.  Long ago people needed gardens to grow food for their families to eat all year long.  People today are still growing gardens for food and for beauty. Let's make our own garden to plant something today.

• For really little kids, just set your expectation on digging in the dirt. If you have a place to do this, great, if not, a bucket with soil out on a patio is just fine. Expect a mess, and be open to it. Add a water to the mess if you really want to engage your child for a while!
• Older kids can help you on a real garden project or make a plan for a garden (or potted garden) of their own. They also still love playing in soil and mud, so consider giving them real tools such as a spade, shovel, rake, watering can, etc.. or have them make tools from sticks, recyclables, or other household items.

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Whether you start seeds on the window sill, start working a garden bed, or just make a mess in the dirt, talk with your child about your gardening history. Did you garden as a child, did your grandparents? What gardens around town are important to you? Fostering a love of history begins with you. The things you talk about become important to your child. If you reflect on history and pose open-ended questions (e.g. I wonder what kinds of tools farmers used in the olden days?) you develop that habit in your child. The more we think, imagine, question, and tell stories about history, the more they will too. An added bonus, it supports crucial cognitive skills and encourages reflection, empathy, critical thinking, compare/contrast, and creativity.

On May 23rd, BCHS plans to host a plant sale to raise funds for the Museum, and to highlight the history of some of our local gardens and gardeners.  Please join in by coming to the sale, or help donate plants and garden gear for us to sell (it is a Museum fundraiser).  Also, if you know anyone with a great garden and a history to share, please send them our way!  

Share your kid's garden pics at #athomewithBCHS or in the comments!