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NJMA:
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NJMA gets asked about taking children on our forays, and what’s in it for them. For one, children get to be outdoors with their parents. This helps to give them an appreciation for nature and the environment. They can think of it as a “treasure hunt,“ where they don’t know exactly what they’re looking for, or what they’ll find. Young children, being shorter than most adults, have a unique advantage. They get a better view of the forest floor, and can spot fungi (i.e. “hidden treasures”) that most adults would likely miss. They are contributing via “Citizen Science” for what can be found at a specific locale. These are added to NJMA’s list of species found by location and the year they were found. They may even find something that has never been found in New Jersey before. Or it may even be a “new” specimen that has never been described before, here or elsewhere. Wouldn’t that be amazing to discover something “new,” and get bragging rights to share with your friends?
When children come to our forays with their parents, they gain an appreciation for fungi and the natural world. Seeing what they have found at the ID tables, along with all the other attendees gives them a sense of pride for contributing to NJMA’s efforts. There is always such a diversity of specimens and colors of the fungi found at our forays. It is quite fascinating to see, even if they never saw all those specimens on their foray adventure. You never know where it may lead them.
Children can benefit NJMA’s efforts to find and identify fungi. We are always pleased to have them join their parents on our forays.
When children come to our forays with their parents, they gain an appreciation for fungi and the natural world. Seeing what they have found at the ID tables, along with all the other attendees gives them a sense of pride for contributing to NJMA’s efforts. There is always such a diversity of specimens and colors of the fungi found at our forays. It is quite fascinating to see, even if they never saw all those specimens on their foray adventure. You never know where it may lead them.
Children can benefit NJMA’s efforts to find and identify fungi. We are always pleased to have them join their parents on our forays.
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At our annual “Fungus Fest” held in September, we offer activities for the younger child at our “Children’s Corner.” Children can learn more about fungi, color a mushroom picture, put together a mushroom puzzle, or bead a mushroom necklace to take home, to name a few activities. The literature we provide is often of interest to adults, especially teachers and/or grandparents. We’ve seen the older tween or young teen who has been reluctant to attend with his/her parents become mesmerized when they view a mushroom spore through the microscope at another exhibit. The squeals of “Awesome!” or the delight they share upon seeing this makes the trip worthwhile for them, and their parents. It may even spark an interest in mycology or the sciences.
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Stuffed Mushroom
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Hand Puppet
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Recommended Books
Are you looking for books to get your family interested in mushrooms?
Take a look at NAMA's Books for Young People.
Then borrow what you can from your local library. Some of the recommendations may be out of print, but still timeless.
Are you looking for books to get your family interested in mushrooms?
Take a look at NAMA's Books for Young People.
Then borrow what you can from your local library. Some of the recommendations may be out of print, but still timeless.
Education Curriculum for Young People
For Educators, the Fungi Foundation has released a Fungi Education curriculum with activities for kids aligned with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
Last Updated: 2023-01-26
For Educators, the Fungi Foundation has released a Fungi Education curriculum with activities for kids aligned with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
Last Updated: 2023-01-26
