Inquiry/Issues:
What teas are drunk around the world, in children’s homes, and in local cultures? What traditions exist in growing, preparing, and sharing teas? How does it impact the feel of our class to enjoy tea together? How can our garden help us create local teas?
Our Story:
We used ingredients from our garden as well as teas enjoyed by families at home to create our own teas. Some garden teas have included apple, mint, anise hyssop, raspberry leaf, and lemon balm. These can be enjoyed in fresh teas. We also dried some in the dehydrator, and students were able to make a tea bag with a dried tea of their choice to bring home as a gift for their family. This is an activity that has been run in classrooms, in the garden, by teacher candidates, and by secondary students and is a great way to connect perennial gardens with local eating opportunities for children and families.
Possible Extensions:
- Make and glaze food-safe ceramic tea cups that students can use to enjoy tea in the classroom
- Create tea blends that can be sold as a fund-raiser for the garden