On May 3rd, Smarty Saturdays participants stayed closer to home for their monthly enrichment activity as they learned how to create floral bouquets. The activity was at the suggestion of one of the children, who wanted to learn how to make bouquets for Mother’s Day.
Cassandra and Katie from Terrapin Rose in Dobbs Ferry taught the students the names and features of the various types of flowers that they had brought. Then the students learned and executed what a florist must do to prepare each flower to be placed in an arrangement (examples: a Gerber daisy must have a wire wrapped around its stem, extra leaves and petals must be removed from roses.) The florist provided each child with sheets of paper and tissue that would end up as the wrapping for the bouquet. The florist then, one at a time, handed out the various greens and types of flowers to be used, and the students used these items to create beautiful arrangements they could gift for Mother’s Day.
“Smarty Saturdays” is an initiative of RSHM LIFE Center, whose goal is to provide 3rd, 4th and 5th graders with the relaxation and social outlet afforded by a fun activity with a group of peers. Each month, the students enjoy a field trip or activity where they are exposed to a new cultural, artistic, environmental and/or historic resource. These activities also contribute to the development of the students’ minds during this phase of their growth, harbor creativity and enrich understanding.