She started the adventure by asking the students if any of them were growing plants at home. They eagerly raised their hands. Mary grabbed samples of different kinds of seeds from flowers, to fruits and vegetables. She shared that anyone could stop by an Omaha Public Library branch and pick up free seeds all summer long. Mary then asked the students, “Now that we know what a seed is, do you know the other parts of a plant?” The students shrugged and shook their heads with uncertainty.
To teach the students about the six different parts of a plant: seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruit; they sang a song called “Roots, Stems, Leaves”. After singing and dancing to many verses, the students were then able to identify all the parts of a plant easily. Some were eager to get going on planting seeds at home. A few children were going to try and take parts of a plant currently growing in their gardens to start a new plant.
After story time, the students enjoyed a healthy snack featuring their favorite granola but this time we added sunflower seeds for an extra crunch. There were thumbs up all around and some even asked for seconds. One of the teachers shared that the students look forward to “Out & About Story Time” every month. Time after time they light up with excitement when it’s time to learn something new from Mary and No More Empty Pots!
This is just one great example of how programming introduces students to new experiences with food and gardening. Creating environments where they are excited to learn about plants and growing their own food provides a baseline for better relationships with food that they can share with their families. Your continued support ensures that students and their families have access to gardening and nutrition education programs that reinforce healthy eating habits and increase self-sufficiency through growing their own food.
Roots, Stems, Leaves
by Banana Slug String Band
Learn the six parts of a plant – seeds, roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruit when you sing this fun song.
Lyrics
Roots, stems, leaves, flowers,
Fruits and seeds
Roots, stems, leaves, flowers,
Fruits and seeds
Roots, stems, leaves, flowers,
Fruits and seeds
Roots, stems, leaves, flowers,
Fruits and seeds
That’s six parts, six parts, six plant parts
that plants and people need.
The roots hold the plant
in the ground.
They gather up the water
that falls around.
And there’s a root inside of me,
because a carrot is a root that I eat.
That’s six parts, six parts, six plant parts
that plants and people need.
A stem is an elevator growing up from
the ground.
The water goes up and the
sugar back down.
And there’s a stem inside of me
because celery is a stem that I eat.
The leaves are the kitchens
where the food is done.
They breath the air and
catch rays form the sun.
And there’s a leaf inside of me
because lettuce is a leaf that I eat.
Chorus…
The flowers are dressed so colorfully.
They hold the pollen and
attract the bees.
And there’s a flower inside of me
because cauliflower is a flower I eat.
The fruit gets ripe, then falls on down.
It holds the seeds and feeds the ground.
And there’s a fruit inside of me
because an apple is a fruit that I eat.
Chorus…
Now you know what this
whole world needs.
It’s roots, stems, leaves, flowers,
fruits and seeds.
There’s six plant parts inside of me
because a garden salad is what I eat.
Chorus…
We’re excited to announce that the second location of Cups Café, Cups Café at Florence, will be opening this summer! Then in August, the Food Hub will be officially open! Take a tour and learn about the new spaces and opportunities that await!