August

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ACTIVITY: Cooking With Nature

Imaginative play can be a lot of fun for all who are involved. Why not cook with nature? With your child, enjoy creating mud pies or stone soup as a delicious treat. Use baking trays, bowls, spoons, and other kitchen utensils to make recipes from items found outdoors.

Need a recipe? Try “Stone Soup”. An easy recipe to make use a pot or bucket, water, and stones. Mix stones, a bit of water, and other nature items to enjoy. End the activity with a great “feast” where your child can enjoy their creations with you or others. Read Stone Soup by Jon J Muth, to encourage your child to create their very own stone soup!

PLANT OF THE MONTH: Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)

Grown for its soft, fuzzy foliage, Lamb’s Ear is a wonderful addition to your garden, and can even be grown in container pots! Originally from Iran, this perennial plant provides excellent ground-cover; producing bright purple or pink flowers in mid-summer. In addition to being an attractive plant, the soft leaves also provide a great sensory experience for children, helping to develop children’s appreciation for plant diversity.

RECIPE: Watermelon Agua Fresca

Ingredients

• • 4 cups cold, chopped seedless watermelon
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice or lime juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon honey
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Put the watermelon pieces, water, lime or lemon juice, mint and honey into blender.
2. Blend ingredients until the mixture is smooth.
3. Serve right away or cover and refrigerate up to 4 hours. Make sure to stir before serving.
4. Enjoy!