With World Bee Day arriving on the 20th of May and National Children’s Gardening Week arriving on the 24th, it’s an excellent time for a flower-growing activity for children — including under-fives. More specifically, the growing of bee-friendly flowers — from seeds — will be an excellent way to celebrate World Bee Day and support these adorable little creatures. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are incredibly important for the world, being largely responsible for pollinating the crops, including nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, that we rely on for food. Yet they are under threat with numbers dwindling severely in recent years. Without bees and other pollinators, the world’s animals, plants, trees, and flowers would be in real danger. Today’s bee-friendly flower-growing activity is therefore an incredibly worthwhile one for children to get involved in. It’s fun, highly educational for little ones, and will help to make the world a better place! Little ones, let’s get growing!
Bee-Friendly Flower Growing for Children
Today’s activity for children starts with seeds. Children, especially under-fives, will love sowing them, watering the seedlings, planting them out, and watching them grow. Even better will be the moment the first bee, butterfly or hoverfly arrives to sample the sweet nectar from the flowers! Here’s what to do:
Source the Bee-Friendly Seeds
Unless seeds are available from friends and family or harvests from previous years, parents of under-fives will need to source them. However, that’s easy and can be incredibly inexpensive. Most supermarkets sell seed packets and, if not, there is a whole range of online stores to choose from (here’s one great example with bee-friendly wildflower seeds available from as little as £1.49). Wherever they’re sourced from, the key to this activity’s success is to choose bee-friendly seeds. That’s easily done by ensuring packets are marked as bee-friendly or pollinator-friendly. Even better — choose those which are also marked as native to the UK as they’re likely to suit conditions well and be an ecologically sound choice.
Examples of bee-friendly seeds/flowers:
Families can choose bee-friendly wildflower seeds if they would like a variety of flowers to grow — and different pollinators to visit. If choosing individual flower varieties, bee-friendly options to consider include sunflowers, poppies, daisies, cornflowers, forget-me-nots, verbena, sedum, nasturtium, cosmos or calendula. Bee-friendly herbs are also an option with the added bonus that their leaves can be eaten. Examples include flowering mint, dill, basil and thyme.
Seed kits are another option for children, with many online stores offering inexpensive options that include not only the seeds (whether loose or in seed ball format) but also things like a magnifying glass, stickers, and so on. Here’s an example.
When to Sow the Seeds
The months of March through to May are a great time to sow bee-friendly flower seeds. Depending on the variety chosen, flowers can appear within just a few weeks (perfect for World Bee Day at the time of writing) up to a few months. So, read seed packets/information carefully before buying and perhaps favour the faster-growing seeds to keep young children engaged in this activity.
How to Sow the Seeds
Seed packets will usually have some basic sowing instructions. That said, there are generally 2 main ways to sow flower seeds:
- Simply scatter seeds outdoors in a suitable place (weed-free, prepared flower beds, for example). However, it will not be very controlled and, in any case, what fun is that?
- Sow seeds more methodically, with much more care, in seed trays of some kind. We suggest this option for children as it’s more fun, far more educational, and likely to have substantially better results. Children will learn more skills and knowledge with this approach.
If children are going with our recommended second option, they will first need to read packets to ensure their timing is right. For seed trays, they can use inexpensive, commercially available seed trays or use smaller options like flower pots. Another free alternative is to use repurposed margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, or similar. Whichever option they choose will need drainage holes added underneath by supervising parents plus a drip tray of some kind. Whether that’s a commercial one or something as simple as a saucer is up to families.
For the soil, commercially-obtained compost that’s suited to growing seeds and seedlings is ideal (especially if it’s peat-free as that’s more ecologically sound). For a free alternative, carefully transport some prepared soil/home-grown compost from outdoors and use that. It needs to be broken up and weed-free and this part of the activity will need to be heavily supervised* by an adult.
Once the soil is layered into the seed trays or pots, to a level an inch or so below the top, children can indent the soil/compost for the seeds to go into. Seeds can be manually spaced out into these indents so that, once they grow, the individual plants will be easily separated. We suggest scattering a shallow layer of sieved soil or compost over the seeds once placed into the indents and given a sprinkling of water.
Wash little hands with soapy water afterwards, of course*.
Water Regularly
Children may need to be reminded to check their seed trays every day and to keep the soil moist (but not soaked) through gentle watering.
Keep Watch for Sprouting Seedlings
One of the most exciting points in the whole activity will be the first time children notice little seedlings beginning to sprout from the soil. It may take somewhere from 10 days to a fortnight for this to occur but it’s quite a moment once it happens — and it’s (almost) all down to the child!
Thin Seedlings Out
Children should continue to water the seedlings regularly, when needed, and may also have to thin out any ‘clumps’ or plants that are too close together, otherwise, several plants may get tangled and have to compete with one another unnecessarily.
There will come a point (hopefully!) when the seedlings have grown big enough to be strong and ready to transplant outdoors. Whether choosing flower beds in gardens, window boxes, or outdoor flower pots, choose somewhere that’s again free of weeds (remove if necessary) and ensure plants have individual space to grow larger. The original seed packets will usually advise whether the plants will suit sunny, shaded, or semi-sunny locations. However, pollinators like butterflies like sunnier locations, so factor that in too.
Flowers Will Bloom
Children should continue watering the plants when required (soil should not be allowed to dry out) and, day by day, the plants will grow larger until buds, then flowers, finally appear.
Bees & Pollinators Will Arrive!
Once flowers appear, children can expect pollinators like honey bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and hoverflies to appear. It’s going to be magical for children when that day first arrives! Bees and the other pollinators truly are delightful and adorable. Children should look but not touch*, after all, bees have important work to do!
“Children should look but not touch, after all, bees have important work to do!”
See if they can spot the little yellow/orange pollen baskets on the bees’ legs. Explain what those are for. Children can also get more advanced and see if they can learn the names of the different bee species.
Did you know? Worldwide, there are 25,000 to 30,000 species of bee!
Natural Benefits
This activity will raise awareness of bees and pollinators in children of all ages. It’s not only a wonderful way to introduce children to these adorable creatures, but also a great opportunity to raise awareness of the plight bees and pollinators are facing. They are under severe pressure from habitat loss, global warming, the use of harmful pesticides/weedkillers, pollution, invasive predators, and many other threats that have made their populations plummet in recent years.
“Close to 35 percent of invertebrate pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies … face extinction globally.” — United Nations
By involving children in activities — like today’s — for World Bee Day, they will be better informed and able to help bees and pollinators far into the future. It will help them to be more responsible citizens, caring and compassionate individuals, and lead to them towards living greener lifestyles as they grow older. The world’s future is in their hands, so that’s incredibly important.
“A world without pollinators would equal a world without food diversity – no blueberries, coffee, chocolate, cucumbers and so much more.” — United Nations
What’s more, today’s flower-growing activity will teach children new skills and new facts, and they will benefit from everything that nature has to offer (and that’s a lot!). Learn more about the incredible benefits of nature to children here.
Nature & Outdoor Play at Little Acorns Nursery
Our extensive outdoor spaces, nature zones and wild areas at Little Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green are a huge hit with children. There, they have a wonderful time exploring, discovering, learning through play, and benefitting from spending time close to nature. It’s a fabulous aspect of this nursery and preschool near Wigan, Lancashire. And, of course, we have fabulous resources, equipment and a home-from-home environment inside, where every child under five gets the very best start in life.
Get in touch today to explore the idea of sending your baby, toddler, or preschooler to Little Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green:
Little Acorns Nursery is also conveniently located for those living in Atherton, Leigh, Ince-in-Makerfield, Platt Bridge, Westhoughton, Bickershaw, Tyldesley, and Bolton.
*Health & Safety Note
Ensure children, especially the youngest, are supervised at all times by a responsible adult. Some bees and pollinators have stings, so it’s important for adults to ensure that children look but do not attempt to touch them. Additionally, some seeds and plants are poisonous, while some soil also contains hidden dangers. Adults should therefore ensure that children keep fingers well away from mouths and wash hands and fingers thoroughly with soap and water after contact with any such things. Plant food is also potentially very dangerous and should therefore only be used by adults and kept well away from little ones.
World Book Day is a special charitable event, celebrated globally, that encourages children of all ages to discover the joy of reading. Why? Because reading has the power to substantially improve children’s lives. Schools, nurseries, and libraries across the nation make the day extra special for children through storytelling sessions, fancy dress, and book-related activities.
Find time for your little one to read.
Dress up as a favourite character! There’s no need for elaborate costumes; a simple hat, crown, or themed outfit inspired by a beloved book character can bring your child’s favourite stories to life.
Once winter arrives in December and cold winds start to breathe the landscape to sleep for a season, little ones will be less inclined to venture outdoors. Parents, too, will no doubt appreciate them avoiding the rain, cold, and inclement conditions that may occur. As such, winter is the perfect time to transform dreary days and dark evenings into a haven of warmth and cosiness indoors. An enchanting children’s activity that goes hand-in-hand with this is that of storytelling. With that in mind, today’s post guides you through the delightful process of creating a Winter Storytelling Corner tailored for the youngest members of the family. A storytelling corner is a wonderful way to make these winter nights cosy, magical, and filled with high-quality shared moments. Shared 
Start by selecting a cosy corner or nook in your home – for example, a secluded and quiet space somewhere that’s away from busy activity, cold draughts and suchlike. It will need to have somewhere comfortable for you and your child(ren) to sit or ‘nest’ once you get to the storytelling part. Once you’ve found somewhere suitable, it could be adorned with soft blankets, plush cushions, and perhaps even a few twinkling fairy lights. The goal is to create an inviting spot that beckons little ones and you, their parent or caregiver, to snuggle up and feel the warmth together as the winter tales unfold.
Curate a collection of timeless winter stories that capture the spirit of the season. Consider classics like “The Snowman” by Raymond Briggs or “The Mitten” by Jan Brett. These stories, with their simple yet captivating narratives, are perfect for engaging young minds and sparking their imagination. These are just a couple of examples, though, and there are lots of winter-themed books to choose from, whether online, in book stores, in charity shops, or swapped amongst family or friends.
Perhaps incorporate simple props that relate to the story. If the tale involves animals, have soft toy animals on hand for little ones to interact with as the story unfolds. Other alternatives are hand puppets and finger puppets. Try using them to act out characters from the stories as you read them, or get your child to do so. Adding an interactive and visual element in this way will encourage children to participate actively and immerse themselves in the storytelling process. This approach can be creative, captivating, and sometimes even comical. As such, this is very entertaining for children and will help to make the whole activity enjoyable and fulfilling.
In the journey of childhood development, there is a simple yet powerful tool that supercharges learning, imagination and even life outcomes: reading with your child. While a magical connection with books is a cherished tradition in many families, it is also a proven way to optimise a child’s cognitive and emotional development — and even to give some a social boost. With that in mind, we explore today the incredible benefits of reading with children in the early years and learn how study after study has proven how transformational it is to their lives.
One of the most notable benefits of early reading is the rapid expansion of a child’s vocabulary. Indeed, research suggests that children who are exposed to a diverse range of words in books tend to perform better in language assessments, spelling, and overall literacy development. With reading to children opening up whole new worlds of information and vocabulary to them, this positive outcome makes total sense.
Reading with children also contributes to the development of enhanced empathy and emotional intelligence. Stories often feature characters experiencing a variety of emotions, and by engaging with these stories, children learn to empathise and connect with the feelings of others. That’s because exposure to complex characters and their emotional experiences in books helps children better understand and relate to the emotions of people in their real lives.
Reading is not just about the words on the page; it’s also about the quality time you spend together. The connection you build during reading sessions is priceless, fostering stronger bonds between you and your child.
Autumn’s arrival means that Halloween is just around the corner, coming on the 31st of October each year. The run-up to that date is a great time to start preparing for some fun Halloween activities for children to take part in. Whether dressing up for Halloween-themed parties, putting carved pumpkin lanterns and spooky decorations out at night, or playing Trick or treat locally, children of all ages will find Halloween a time of unique fun! It’s also a great opportunity for children to strengthen bonds with friends and for families to start getting creative! With that in mind, here are our top picks for spooktacular Halloween activities for kids!
Dressing up in Halloween costumes is hugely popular amongst children. While purchasing costumes from stores is quick and easy, encouraging children to make their own Halloween costumes (with adult supervision) is likely to be not only cheaper but also much more fun. They’ll also be able to get creative and learn new skills in the process.
Kids will also love dressing up as spiders. All they need is some black tights — or a pair of skinny trousers — and a black top that’s belted at the waist and then stuffed to make the ‘spider body’ fat. Extra spider legs can be made by stuffing more black tights and attaching them to the belt.
Your children can take this a step further and add Halloween-themed food into the mix, so there’s something to nibble too!
The Halloween tradition of ‘tick or treating’ has its roots in Medieval times. It is a playful remnant of the practice of “souling,” where the poor would go door-to-door during what was then known as ‘Allhallowtide’ (around All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) asking for food in exchange for prayers for the deceased. Over the years, this evolved into what we now know as Trick or treat. Children, usually in full Halloween fancy dress, knock on neighbourhood doors and say Trick or treat? Then, homeowners typically give them sweets or other treats — or become the target of a playful trick from the children! It’s great fun for little ones, especially if one or more neighbourhood parents can organise the evening in advance. By doing so, the neighbours are warned and can opt out if they prefer. In this way, lots of fun, laughter and treats will ensue and nobody gets a trick that they weren’t expecting!
Many towns and villages will have ‘pumpkin patches’ during October. These are typically found on local farms and similar that set a field aside, chock-full of pumpkins. Families can come along and children will be able to scour the field and pick their favourite pumpkin. They can take it home in exchange, usually, for an affordable fee. Such pumpkin patches often also have wonderful photo opportunities where children can pose amongst pumpkin displays. In this way, children enjoy a morning or afternoon activity at the farm and end up with a hand-picked pumpkin too.
Hollowing out and carving spooky and creative faces into pumpkins is a classic Halloween activity enjoyed by thousands of families each year. For safety purposes, supervising adults will need to do any carving, though, as it’ll likely involve the use of a sharp knife. They can also loosen the seeds and flesh and then, if able, children can help to scoop it out. Once hollowed out and eyes, nose and mouth have been carved, children can have great fun decorating the outside and turning the pumpkin into a lantern using tea lights (again, under adult supervision or using LED lights for safety purposes). Nothing quite says ‘Halloween’ like a pumpkin face that glows in the garden at night. Children will naturally love the whole experience, end result, and feeling of accomplishment associated with this activity.
Families can combine all or just some of these Halloween activities into one event by hosting their very own Halloween party for friends, relatives and neighbours. With spooky fancy dress costumes, Halloween-themed decorations, flickering pumpkin lanterns, and themed food and drinks, it’s sure to be huge fun and a spooktacular evening for everyone! Ghostly music and ghoulish games can be added to the event too, perhaps along with a period where children and adults can tell spooky stories and ghost tales. What’s not to love?
At Little Acorns Nursery in Hindley Green, we’re embracing Hygge (pronounced “Hue-gah”), which is becoming very popular around the globe. But what is Hygge and why are we embracing it? This article explains everything and you’ll soon see why Hygge is a very good thing for everyone at the nursery, including both children and staff. Take a look …
Hygge has been described as resulting in “comfortable conviviality” i.e. friendliness and warmth that makes everyone feel welcome and happy. It’s also been described as “the pursuit of everyday happiness … basically like a hug, just without the physical touch.”
There will be twinkly ‘mood’ lighting instead of harsh fluorescent lighting. Rooms will have real plants that bring nature indoors, natural materials and objects like wood, wicker, pine cones and pebbles. There will be calming music and perhaps even scent in the air. There will be cosy corners, dens and even teepees where children can ‘nest’ while they read, play or converse. Hygge gives a room a lovely atmosphere, often with flickering candles (or, at the nursery, the warm-coloured LED equivalents, for safety purposes).
Embracing all these aspects of Hygge will make children feel really at home, safe, relaxed, cosy and content. Their day will feel fulfilling and enriched. It will be calm and peaceful whilst also embracing nature both outside and indoors. Friendships will deepen as small groups of children play, converse, read or simply ‘be’ in the many cosy nooks and dens available to them. They are also free to have some solo time where they can explore a particular interest, relax with a book or engage in an activity in a calm and comfortable corner. Whatever they’re doing, children will enjoy and benefit from the mood lighting, calming surroundings, relaxing music and suchlike.
Hygge is like a warm cloak that softly embraces every child, allowing him or her to quietly blossom, learn and develop in the most homely and relaxed of atmospheres. With Hygge, they can embrace and naturally absorb everything that’s so good about the Hygge lifestyle, including it’s almost magical effects that will bring out the wonder in every child. Hygge instinctively appeals to a child’s very heart and soul, allowing their learning and development to blossom and thrive in the most natural of ways.
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