OBJECTIVE

Students will be able to write three details about an herb of their choice

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• How do I use herbs?
• What foods do I eat?

MATERIALS

• Postcard Templates and example
• Construction paper for designs
• Colored pencils

PROCEDURE

Introduction:

Tell students that with Valentine’s Day coming up, we are going to write a love letter to the herbs we have been studying. We have to show the plants love, too! Brainstorm with students a few herbs you have been working with and the herbal action they take. Examples are chamomile = sedative for relaxation, aloe & calendula = emollients, etc. Write these on the board so students can refer back to it while writing

Activity

Project the example Valentine on the board and read aloud. Highlight to students how you chose to write about a part of the herb that we use (ex. calendula’s petals). Tell students that if they are unsure what to write, they can use this sentence frame to build their letter.

Walk around the room and aid students in their writing

Wrap Up/Assessment: 

Check work when students are finished, then they can decorate their postcard with a hand-drawn stamp or use construction paper to make a classic Valentine card. On the front of their postcard they could also include a drawing of the herb. Don’t forget to add the “address” with the common and scientific name! Discuss how you can give your herb it’s Valentine. You could read it to the herb or plant its seed to honor it!

FOLLOW UP/EXTENSIONS

• Play Wildcraft and discover more medicinal herbs to love.
• Make herb salt or herb sachets
• Make calendula hand salve
• Read Sam the Jr. Herbalist Book One: The Case of The Tummy Troubles by Angela Rahim

MA CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Comprehensive Health and Physical Education

• 5.1.NE.8 Recognize that individuals have different food related needs, preferences, and traditions.

English Language Arts and Literacy

• W.3.1 Write opinion pieces on familiar topics or texts, supporting an opinion with reasons.