Be a Hero Like George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was born in Missouri in 1864. When he was young he liked to walk in the woods. He was curious about plants and flowers. He even had a secret garden and called the plants his pets. He studied art and loved to draw plants. His knowledge of plants eventually allowed him to help farmers have better crops and help people eat healthier food. Read more about George Washington Carver in Brad Meltzer’s “I am George Washington Carver – Ordinary People Change the World.” Afterwards, pick a few of the character building activities to encourage your child to develop their own inner hero.
Watch Xavier Riddle and the Power of Plants:
Talk About Values and Listen to Your Child’s Ideas:
Curiosity Helps Us Grow
- What kinds of questions do you think George Washington Carver asked as he explored the woods and plants around his home? What questions do you ask yourself about the neighborhood that you live in?
- If you could invent anything you wanted to make the world a better place, what would it be?
Kindness Makes a Difference in the World
- Carver famously said, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.” Ask your child how they would like someone to be kind to them. Share with your child ways you hope people are kind to you.
- Practical Kindness is a term that describes how George Washington Carver’s actions made people’s everyday lives better. Brainstorm ways that family members can pitch in to help make family life easier and engage in “practical kindness” (such as putting clothes in the hamper, putting away dishes, etc.).
Courage Helps Us Handle Life’s Obstacles
- George Washington Carver had an “I can” attitude as he worked to overcome challenges. What are some ways that you can develop an “I can” attitude with things that seem hard to do or overcome?
- George Washington Carver dedicated his life to using his interest in plants to help poor people in the Deep South. How can we use our interests to help others in our community?