5 Ways to Celebrate Dandelion Day in your Classroom

Dandelion Day is an annual celebration that occurs on April 5th. It is a unique holiday that celebrates the resilient and versatile dandelion plant. Dandelion Day is a great opportunity to share both STEM and Social Emotional Learning lessons with your students. As educators you can introduce your students to the wonders of nature while also teaching valuable lessons about perseverance and adaptability.

Here are five different ways you can celebrate Dandelion Day in your classroom:

1. Read the book “Dandi McLion Has Her Say” by Patrice McLaurin. This children’s book tells the story of Dandi McLion, who decides to speak up for herself and her fellow dandelions after learning that they are unfairly labeled as weeds. After reading the book, you can discuss the themes of standing up for oneself, using your voice and valuing diversity.
2. You can also incorporate the book’s accompanying lesson plans into your Dandelion Day activities. Here, you can find the companion bundle of classroom activities that use STEM and Social Emotional Learning elements to teach language arts, science, social studies even math! The lessons include writing prompts, vocabulary exercises, and hands-on activities. You can also go here, and grab a couple of freebies!
3. Create dandelion art projects. Dandelions are beautiful flowers that can be used to create a variety of art projects. You can have your students draw or paint pictures of dandelions, or use real dandelions to make prints. You can also encourage your students to make dandelion crowns or necklaces using the flowers and stems. Here you will find an example of a hands on activity based upon the book Dandi McLion Has Her Say.
4. Conduct dandelion experiments. Dandelions have many uses beyond their beauty. You can have your students conduct experiments to explore the different ways that dandelions can be used. For example, you can have your students use dandelions to dye fabrics.
5. Plant dandelions. Dandelions are easy to grow and can be planted in a variety of settings. You can have your students plant dandelions in pots or in a garden, and observe their growth over time. You can also use the opportunity to teach your students about the life cycle of plants and the importance of taking care of the environment.

In conclusion, Dandelion Day is a fun and educational way to teach your students about the value of nature and the beauty of diversity. By incorporating some of these activities into your classroom, your students are certain to develop a new appreciation for this beautiful flower. You’ll also encourage them to appreciate the world around them.