Celebrate Tu B'Shevat with STEAM Activities for Your Little Ones

While these may be some of the darkest and coldest days of the year, the 15th of Shevat is coming soon - January 20/21. We take this time to celebrate the birthday of the trees and all that is green and beautiful. To help you and your family celebrate Tu B’Shevat, we came up with a few fun STEAM-related activities to do together to celebrate the trees.

Cook Together!
Get out your loaf pans, make your grocery list, and create this Seven Species Bread Recipe from our friends at J-Teach.org. The seven species are foods that were common during biblical times in ancient Israel. On Tu B’shvat it is customary for people to eat these to thank God for the goodness of the land.

Make your own bread at home.

Create an indoor garden and build your own terrarium.
While you may not be able to plant a tree outdoors this time of year, you can plant your own terrarium with a visit to your local garden or hardware store and just a few supplies.

To build your own terrarium, follow these instructions. A note, if you are a timid gardener and don’t want to buy the supplies separately, many garden stores will help you build them in the store. For a slightly higher price, you can select the plants and planter and they can help you in assembling the garden, using their soil and tools. Options abound when it comes to creating an indoor terrarium, whichever option you choose the greenery will add some life to your home this winter.

Adopt a houseplant.

If terrariums aren’t your thing, think about adopting a houseplant, or purchasing one at your local garden store. Adopting a plant is a great way to help and perform a mitzvah. Before you go and buy new, try posting to your local swap & sell site or asking your friends and family who has a houseplant that needs a new home.

Having a houseplant can be a great way to teach your child about responsibility and caring for a living thing. Not only will it add some life to your home, but you can also use it as a teaching tool.

Chag sameach! Happy holiday!

Photo: Heilicher mascot Roary is ready for Tu B'Shevat standing next to the Tzedakah Tree, created by Heilicher 7th and 8th graders.