Teach kids how to plant during the quarantine period

By Vina Medenilla

In order to contain the spread of the COVID-19, the whole island of Luzon and other areas all over the Philippines are under the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). This entails class and work suspensions in the areas where ECQ is effective for 30 days.

Since not all of the students are doing online classes due to limitations in access to internet connection and technology, this would be a great opportunity for parents and guardians to conduct alternative schooling with their kids at home. A great example of an education bonding activity is teaching kids how to plant.

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has a set of instructions for families who want to try their hand at growing their own food:

You will need:

Recyclable plastic bottles, soil, seeds, popsicle sticks, marker, shovel or something to scoop the soil, and a spray bottle.

Materials you will be needing for planting at home.

First, label each popsicle stick pot with the name of the plant that you will sow by using a permanent marker to keep it from fading easily. This will help you identify the plant you sowed. You may also let the kids write down the plant names. 

Second, scoop the soil with your shovel into the plant pot and fill it up. Count the scoops out loud with the kids.

Third, many things can be used as pots! Place the soil in available pots such as plastic bottles, egg trays, cans, and more.

Fourth, you may now pinch some seeds and scatter them into the soil. Once done, push a little bit of the soil over the seeds to cover them.

Fifth, fill the spray bottle with water and mist the soil.

Then take the popsicle sticks that you labeled and stick it into the soil of the appropriate plant.

Last but not least, take good care of the plants to make them grow into healthy ones. Observe the changes with the kids from time to time and let them see when the plants have already sprouted.

Step-by-step process to follow in planting seeds with the kids.

This could be a great bonding activity with the kids where you could get them to learn about nature and agriculture. This could help them appreciate and realize the importance of growing food for their own consumption in the future.

Photos from the Bureau of Plant Industry.