Natural Learning at Home®
Natural Learning at Home®
July
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ACTIVITY: Color Hunt in Nature
A fun way to spend a hot summer day is to go on a color hunt. Simply invite your child to collect items in the outdoor environment. Challenge them to find items for every color of the rainbow. Arrange items on a piece of fabric or paper. Photograph! Encourage them to identify, sort, and categorize each found idea to enhance their learning and skill development.
PLANT OF THE MONTH: Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)
As the most consumed melon in the United States, watermelon is known as the favorite summertime fruit. Eaten by many, watermelon is a refreshing and healthy option during the summer months. When planting seeds, place them directly into the soil one and a half inches deep with 48 to 60 inches of separation between each seed or transplant. Make sure to plant between mid-April to June to avoid the dangers of frost. Harvest between July to early October.
RECIPE: Fruit Salsa
Ingredients
-
- 3 pint containers of raspberries
- 2 pint containers of blackberries
- 1 pint container of strawberries, stems removed and diced
Instructions
- Gently toss all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
- Chill in refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Serve with cinnamon chips or graham crackers.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Archer, M., Konradi, S., Lelekacs, J., Driscoll, E. (2015). Growing Warm-Season Fruits and Vegetables in Childcare Production Gardens. LF-007-03. Raleigh: North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.