Creating a grass head is a fun and educational activity, perfect for introducing children to the world of gardening. Not only does it help them understand the basics of plant growth, but it is also an excellent way to involve them in a creative activity. Here is a practical guide to carry out this simple and enjoyable activity with your children.
Choosing materials
To begin, you will need a few simple items: a nylon stocking, lawn seeds, potting compost, small elastics or string, and decorations for the face such as googly eyes, felt or buttons. These items are easy to find at home or in a craft shop.
Preparing the grass head
1- Start by stretching the nylon stocking and pour one tablespoon of seeds into the bottom.
2- Then add potting compost until you form a ball the desired size for the head. Remember to leave a little stocking free so you can close the bottom by making a node or using a small elastic.
3- Before moving on to watering, let children personalise their grass head. They can use elastics to form ears, a nose (or stick on a button), then glue on eyes and draw a mouth. Encourage imagination to make each grass head unique.
4- Once personalised, place the grass head in a container filled with water so the stocking and compost can soak thoroughly.
5- After this initial watering, put the grass head on a small stand, in a sunny spot and make sure the compost stays moist by watering regularly.
Observing growth
Children will be delighted to watch daily the growth of the "hair" on their grass head. Within a few days the first shoots should appear, and within a few weeks you will have a full green head of hair. It is an opportunity to talk to children about plant life cycles and the importance of water and light for their growth.
Creative haircut
When the grass hair has grown well, invite children to give their creation a haircut. This can become a recurring activity, as the grass will keep growing if well cared for. It is also a good way to develop fine motor skills and creativity.
Gardening lessons
This activity is a chance to teach children basic lessons about gardening and plant care. Explain how plants absorb water, why they need light, and how they breathe. It can also be a good moment to talk about photosynthesis in a simple, accessible way.
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