Plant finder is a fun and educational game that is suitable both for pagan and non-pagan children alike. I list it here in pagan fun as this particular version is fitted specifically for pagan children, but can be modified to suit any child.
How to play: under adult supervision and having your children wearing gloves, have them go out for a walk with you in any forest, plain, or even your local park if you're a city dweller. Have them collect as many different plants, berries, etc as they can in a basket or pail.
(Word of warning: Please be sure that your children are old enough that they won't stick anything they find into their mouths.Always supervise them so they do not touch any plant that may be dangerous-the gloves serve as a extra precaution should they touch something like poison ivy accidentally).
To make the game more interesting, have a timer set to go off in 10 ,20, or 30 minutes depending on your preference. When they have finished, write down all the items they have found on a large poster board using a black felt marker or a crayon. If you can, draw or trace the outlines of the plant next to it's name, or glue in place.
Go over each item they have found. Explain what the plant is, what it can be used for in medicine (there are many books available on the subject that list common things these plants are used to treat in naturopathic medicine), and what it's magickal properties are.
If they are still anxious to play, have them sit down and come up with ways they could use the items they have found in their own magicks.be sure to let your child fully speak their mind and answer any questions they may have as best you can.
This not only makes them feel included in your spirituality, but also makes them feel your understand and respect what they have to say and are willing to help them learn.
The puzzle part of this plant finder is now to hide the poster board and have them refind everything. This time, they get to tell you what each item is and what they could use it for.You will never hear such creative things as you will from this fun activity! If you can, have them keep any leaves they find in a blank journal book by drying them and glueing them inside the pages. Be sure to write down (or have them write if they can) what each is and it's magickal abilities next to each leaf.
Other ideas that can be added to this activity:
Have them go on a feather hunt as well if you are in a area that has many different birds around.
Have them take a camera and take pictures of any animals they may see along the way.
Have them collect small stones, sticks, interesting leaves and the like and make a collage by glueing the items ot poster board or cardboard cut into whatever shape they like.
Have them find one medium rock that fits in the palm of their hand comfortably and have them decorate it with googly eyes,pipe cleaner legs and antenna,pom-poms,etc and presto: They have they're own pet rock that serves as a way to remember where they've been and what they have done-it's more effective than pictures because they will have put energy into making it and will remember it better in the years to come.
NOTE: We hope this turns out to be a very enjoyable experience for everyone who tries it.Given that this is dealing with plants/berries/etc however, please note we will not be held responsible in any way,shape, or form for following any or all of the ideas for the activity listed above. We encourage parents to use common sense and be responsible.Never leave children to do this activity alone, always give them adult supervision.
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