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Show your child what happens when a seed gets what it needs. 

What you need:

• 1 natural sponge (or a short stack of paper towels)
• 1 tablespoon of birdseed
• 1 cup of water 
   

What you do:

1. Soak the birdseed overnight in the cup of water.
2. Dampen the sponge or short stack of paper towels, and sprinkle seeds on it. Be sure to push the seeds into all the little holes on top of the sponge. If you're using paper towels, place the towels on a plate before dampening them and sprinkling them with seeds.
3. Next, place the sponge or towels in a warm, dark place for a few days until you see sprouts. 
4. Now move your budding garden to a sunny window. Be sure to keep the sponge/towels damp. When your sprouts get big, plant them in some soil.

What you talk about:

Ask your child:

• What do seeds need to begin to sprout? (Water and warmth)
• What do you think the sprouts need to grow into healthy plants? (Water, sun, and soil)
• Why do you think seeds grow well in spring? 

Illustration: Art Explosion

 

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