In this activity children learn about the process of ripening and the passage of time. Once the tomatoes are ripe they can be used in salad, sandwiches or cooking.
Materials required:
- green tomatoes
- newspaper
- cooler box or bag
- ripe apple or banana.
Directions
Pick green tomatoes. Ripen the tomatoes in a dark place where the temperature is cool. Wrap each one in newspaper. Put in a cooler box or bag, depending on final location. Add a ripe apple or banana that will give off ethylene gas to help ripen the tomatoes. Check them often for ripeness. They should ripen slowly.
Therapeutic or educational value:
Cognitive: language development, attention, concentration, gaining new information, organisation, decision making, setting goals, communication skills, planning, memory, following directions, reasoning, problem solving.
Physical: gross and fine motor skills, accessibility of garden, increase physical abilities, maintain physical abilities, strength, balance, flexibility, range of motion, sensory stimulation, dexterity, constructive, nutrition, co-ordination, feeling and sensation, speech , nutrition.
Emotional: impulse control, self esteem, exploration, achievement, confidence building, co-operation, pride, personal responsibility, self care.
Social: peer interactions, gaining new information, orientation to time, routines, environmental stewardship, giving back, prevent isolation, safety, re-involvement, explore new interest, reminisce, link with reality, creating relationships.
