31 Days. 31 Flowers. Teaching kids about Lupine!

31 Days. 31 Flowers. Teaching kids about Lupine…

Literature, legends and art bloom with FLOWERS, from lovely little nursery rhymes to sophisticated epic poetry and great myths and masterpieces.  Knowing the names of flowers, the references to flowers, the symbols of flowers, the language of flowers gives kids a blooming head start in understanding literature and enhancing literacy.

Each day in May, a FLOWER will be presented here at 31 Days. 31 Flowers – 31 Ways to engage your kids in literature, literacy and life in just a few moments a day. Enjoy!

The LUPINE – Both an ornamental garden plant and wild one too, the Lupine has an interesting name origin.   Lupine derives from the Latin lupinis or lupinum, meaning to have the nature of a wolf.  The Lupine has been called the wolf bean because wolves consume them, but the wolf reference may also come from the fact the Lupine ravages the land where it grows.

You decide!

The Lupine grows on long stems, commonly in clusters, with showy flowers in blues, rose-purples, pinks, whites and sometimes yellows.  The stems can grow to heights of 5 feet and beyond. A beautiful children’s book, Miss Rumphius, written and illustrated by Barbara Cooney, tells the story of Miss Rumphius’s need to make the world more beautiful by spreading Lupine seeds wherever she walks…

The Lupine bears seeds, or legumes, called Lupine beans.  The beans/peas appear after the flower has passed.  Culinary favorites using Lupine beans are popular all around the world.  (But, of course, no plant, flower or seed should be consumed by anyone without proper handling and cooking instructions.)

It’s been said that the Romans used flat Lupine seeds as money.

Kids love interesting tidbits about anything.  Take wonderful little moments to fill your kids’ heads with fun things.  Find some Lupine in nature, on-line or in books.  Photograph the Lupine.  Draw pictures of the Lupine.  It’s a lovely and simple flower for kids to draw.  Go shopping for Lupine beans.  How about cooking up a Lupini recipe…

Why not take both real money and Lupine seed money to your market, just for fun!

The symbol of the Lupine is imagination.  How perfect is this?!

 

About Audrey

Audrey McClelland has been a digital influencer since 2005. She’s a mom of 5 and shares tips on her three favorite things: parenting, fashion and beauty. She’s also a Contemporary Romance Author.

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3 Comments

  1. 5.20.13

    I had that book in my classroom and the girls used to fight over it every year.

  2. 5.20.13

    I love this information! So cool! I have been wondering what those flowers were almost confusing them for lilacs until I would get a better look, they are beautiful and I love the information about the edible part and Roman money! Thanks for educating us! I love it!

  3. 5.21.13

    Such a great book!!!
    THANK YOU a million times over for sharing your wonderful knowledge!!!

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