The power of flowers in your Early Childhood setting

Welcome to The Curiosity Approach knowledge centre I’m Stephanie Bennett co founder of The Curiosity Approach, and I’m excited to share some simple yet wonderful ways to engage children with nature through flowers, especially those that might otherwise be discarded. As Rita Ru beautifully puts it, “Children deserve beauty,” and incorporating flowers into our early childhood settings is a perfect way to provide this.

From the book ‘Last Child in the woods, Richard Louv explains the concept "nature deficit" a phenomenon where children are spending less time outdoors than ever before. This lack of exposure to the natural world can lead to a range of issues, from increased stress and anxiety to difficulties in concentration. Nature, and particularly the presence of flowers, plays a crucial role in counteracting these challenges. By incorporating natural elements into learning environments, we can provide children with the beauty and tranquility they deserve, enhancing their overall experience. At The Curiosity Approach we believe that children are worthy of playing in spaces and places filled with plants, natural resources, and fragrant flowers.

Plants and flowers serve as a gateway to exploring important concepts such as ecology, biology, and even math. For instance, children can learn about the life cycles of plants, the vital role flowers play in pollination, and how they sustain biodiversity. These lessons help build ecoliteracy, a fundamental understanding of our relationship with the environment, which is essential for nurturing responsible, caring future citizens.

When we give children the opportunity to engage with plants and flowers in an early childhood setting, we are allowing them to experience beauty firsthand. They learn to appreciate the delicate balance of nature, fostering empathy not only towards plants but also towards living beings and their surroundings. As they explore, they become aware of the fragility of life, inspiring them to be stewards of the earth.

I absolutely believe that children should have a rich, sensory experience as they interact with nature indoors and out. Whether it’s through planting seeds, engaging with natural elements in play, or simply observing how they change over time, these activities stimulate their curiosity and creativity. Let’s not forget the calming effect plants and flowers have – their colours and scents can provide a serene backdrop where children feel safe and inspired to explore their emotions.

Incorporating flowers into early childhood education isn’t merely an enhancement; it's a fundamental component of holistic development.
Remember, every child deserves the beauty and enrichment that nature can offer. Let’s embrace the power of flowers in our early childhood settings and nurture a future generation that values and respects the world around them.

How to bring flowers into your Early Childhood setting? Let’s face it buying freshly cut flowers can be expensive. But having flowers in your Early Years setting doesn’t have to cost the earth. Consider reaching out to local florists and asking for their broken stems or leftover petals. You may be surprised at how many lovely pieces they have that can be transformed into valuable educational resources. By giving these flowers a second life, we’re not only introducing children to the beauty of nature; we’re also teaching them important lessons about sustainability and caring for our environment.

One delightful way to integrate these flowers is through flower-infused play dough. Offering petals, leaves and folliage on your play dough table or station. Imagine children kneading and rolling dough while adding colourful petals and herbs throughout the mixture. This sensory experience allows them to explore textures and scents, supporting their fine motor development. Plus, the vibrant colours spark conversations about the flowers: what they look like, how they smell, and where they grow.

Another engaging activity is potion making! Set up a special tuff tray station where children can mix flower petals with various natural materials water, leaves, and even small stones. As they experiment with their potions, they practice creativity and problem solving skills. Encourage them to share their concoctions, describing the ingredients and what they believe their potions might do, fostering language development and imaginative expression. Add a pestle and mortar, small hammers, garlic press for children to explore the concept of deconstruction and investigating cause and effect.

In both of these activities, children learn to appreciate beauty in nature, even in what others might consider waste. They experience the joy of being connected to the environment, all while developing a sense of responsibility for the world they inhabit. This connection is vital, especially in light of the “nature deficit” we see today, where children are spending less time outdoors.

Incorporating flowers, foliage, greenery, leaves and other natural resources into play is a straightforward yet profound way to cultivate curiosity and foster a caring attitude towards our environment. So, next time you have the opportunity, gather those discarded blooms and invite children to explore, create, and learn with them. Together, let’s nurture their love for nature and spark joy in their learning journeys!

Look at this low pallet for play dough outside. Be mindful that daffodils do have a toxicity level and you will need to risk assess and supervise if you decide to use in your setting.

Notice the clippings of foliage, sticks, leaves and fern. Again risk assessment is essential for all play activities.

Sunflower heads - Flowers whether fresh and vibrant or dried out and full of seed are great for exploration and nurturing that inquisitive curious mind. Why not save your Sunflower heads, and offer with tweezers for children to develop their fine motor skills, hand and eye coordination.

These dried flower heads are a great loose part and children can use them in a variety of ways in their play.

Flowers in the sand

Flowers in the water play

Sunflowers this time in the play dough, why not grow your own?

Natural elements and exploring with paint

Seeing the beauty if daisies and dandelions

Flowers are such a wondrous resource to bring into your setting. Flowers can be offered throughout your setting

The benefits of flowers extend well beyond their beauty. Engaging with flowers can spark curiosity and wonder in young minds, enhancing cognitive development as children explore their vibrant colors, intricate shapes, and delightful scents. This exploration leads to improved concentration and memory retention, making learning experiences more meaningful and enjoyable.
Ultimately, integrating flowers into children’s educational journeys provides them with a rich tapestry of benefits that promote holistic development. By connecting with the beauty of nature, children not only cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the world around them but also grow into mindful, empathetic individuals ready to make a positive impact on their communities. We have to ensure that children connect with nature at every opportunity, reflect on your use of plastic ivy and fake flowers? Why are we offering these man made resources when as Margaret McMillan told us, ‘ The richest cupboard is roofed only by the sky!’ See the beauty of our planet and the rich array of resources readily available. Ask parents and carers to donate their wilted birthday bouquets. Make friends with the local florist and ask for donations of off cuts and clipping, lets repurpose, remove and bring nature flowers into children play.

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