March 10, 2021
Flower Arranging
There is little more instantaneous at inducing feelings of hope and joy than a display of spring blooms. Ever since the first daffs were in bud we’ve had a vase of them in our kitchen (looking a little bedraggled more recently, as a result of the wind and rain).
We might not consider flower arranging to be an enticing activity to children - but it’s a wonderful, practical introduction to a life skill that sparks joy to the creator *and* audience. Children love to imitate adult behaviour, and the responsibility of contributing positively to a family meal will engender feelings of pride and a sense of achievement.
Allow your child to choose from a selection of vases or containers, let them pour the water, snip the stems to the right length and arrange into a pleasing display - these are all mindful, sensory lessons in motor and creative skills - and we bet your child will find their happy place amongst the blooms.
As they work, talk about symmetry, colour and how the placement of each stem changes the appearance of the grouping - allowing them the chance to explore by trial and error, and express themselves through their creation.
As with all creative projects with children, this is all about the process - and this is one filled with sensory stimulation as well as a chance to grow aesthetic awareness. Your table will look beautiful, the creator will be filled with pride and the flowers will represent the healing draught of springtime hope and promise.
Blooming/looking great in March and April - narcissus, daffodils, flowering witch hazel, rosemary, viburnum, tulips, ranunculus, hyacinths, lilac, blossom, lily of the valley, bluebells and irises. Look too for dried flower heads such as honesty - and a whole host of vibrant green foliage.
When your blooms are past their best and starting to wilt - why not create an invitation to play? Sprinkle petals into a sensory potion, snip into a ‘soup’ (pretend!) or bash under material scraps to make a hapa zome picture.