If you’re like many parents today, you’re looking for ways to get your kids outdoors more often. One way to do that is through foraging – gathering wild greens and edibles that can be used for food, medicinal, cosmetics or crafts.
And as a homeschooling mom, chances are you’re always on the lookout to add an educational component to every activity – I know I am! That’s why I’ve been working hard creating foraging and wildcrafting digital activities to use as part of our homeschool.
As part of our research, I discovered that one of the most common weeds worldwide – plantain – is much more than a weed. (Note: This unit study is on Broadleaf Plantain/Plantago, not the plantain fruit, which is similar to a banana.)
So I created this Plantain Unit Study. It’s free until this Friday, July 26, 2019, as part of my Introduction to Foraging and Wildcrafting pack in the Homeschool Giveaways BIG Back to School Freebies Bundle. You’ll find a link to the bundle down at the bottom of this post.
Have You Seen This Green?
If you live anywhere in North America, Europe or northern or central Asia, chances are you’ve encountered plantain.
Often considered a weed in the Western world, farmers and backyard gardeners around the world spend time, energy and money to get rid of it.
Yet according to recent academic reports (and many years of traditional healing wisdom), plantain has many medicinal benefits as well. It’s used in teas, salves, lotions and more. Plantain is said to help with
- coughs
- bronchitis
- diarrhea
- blisters and sores (when used in a poultice)
That’s why learning to identify and gather plantain is a great way to start foraging with your family. It’s easy to find, easy to forage, and easy to find things to make with plantain.
Whether you’re living in the midst of city skyscrapers, suburban row houses or gravel roads, you won’t have to go far to find a plantain patch or two. Just remember to follow these foraging safety tips before heading out.
Plantain Unit Study for Ages 6+
Getting intentional about encouraging kids to get outside means planning your outdoor family activities. Before you head out on your next family hike, print off this plantain unit study for your elementary-aged kids. Your child will need access to online resources or a library to answer some of the questions. Go online or look at a herbal encyclopedia to find photographs of plantain in your area, so you’ll know what to look for.
GRAB YOUR FREE PLANTAIN UNIT STUDY RIGHT NOW AS PART OF THE BACK TO SCHOOL FREEBIES BUNDLE VALUED AT OVER $200!
Remember, you must download your freebies (they get emailed to you) by the end of the day on July 26, 2019.
AFTER FRIDAY JULY 26, 2019 YOU’LL FIND THE PLANTAIN UNIT STUDY AT OUR ONLINE SHOP OVER AT AN OFF GRID LIFE.
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Sarita Harbour is a busy mom/step-mom, and grandmother blessed with seven kids ranging from age 32 down to seven. She lives off the grid with her family in a lakefront chalet in the beautiful wilderness of Canada’s far north. She spends her days teaching, writing, and learning the ropes of homesteading off the grid. Visit her site, Off Grid Life, for free printables and resources on homesteading, homeschooling, and self-reliance for the whole family.
