Seeds of Greatness: Marjorie and Sam

One October, a parent named Marjorie asked if she could visit our class and teach a science lesson. The author of The Victory Garden Kid’s Book (available at Amazon), Marjorie brought in tulip bulbs and her son Sam—my student—assisted.

My bulbs sleeping under New Yorker covers (Fall 2014)
My bulbs sleeping under New Yorker covers (Fall 2014)

The fourth graders crowded around a table as she split a few bulbs open and helped them touch and explore its different parts. The tulip flower was already inside, she said, as she pointed out the bud. Sam helped answer questions. Marjorie’s enthusiasm radiated as she captivated everyone with the wonder of a flower tucked inside a bulb.

Afterwards, we traipsed outside and planted bulbs. In the spring,

Bulbs know when it's time to push awake. (Feb 2015)
Bulbs know when it’s time to push awake (Feb 2015).

the students rediscovered them and busied themselves measuring elapsed time, time to bloom, height, temperature, and formulated more questions. Planting bulbs

Everything's awake thanks to darkness and cool temps. (Feb 2015
Everything’s awake thanks to darkness and cool temps (Feb 2015).

wasn’t part of that year’s science or math curriculum, but the hands-on aspect made it a natural fit.

That day, Marjorie and Sam planted seeds of greatness among us. From a shared hands-on lesson, my students grew and flourished.

Forced daffodils inside, 4 feet of snow outside.
Forced daffodils inside, 4 feet of snow outside.

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