Introducing plants and medicinal herbs to children as early as kindergarten age is highly valuable. The Department of Pharmacognosy at the University of Pécs, Faculty of Pharmacy, organizes playful programs for young children that engage their senses through colors, scents, and other distinctive features of plants.
On May 14, 2025, the “Süni” group (mixed age) from the Kodály Zoltán Street Kindergarten in Pécs visited the EGSC–Melius Medicinal Herb Garden at the institute. Later, on May 23, 2025, children aged 3 to 7 had the chance to explore the world of medicinal herbs during an on-site session at the "Kishajó" Baptist Kindergarten in Pécs.
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Photos: Preschoolers in the herb garden (Kodály Zoltán Street Kindergarten; taken by Renáta Szekeres)
At both events, the program began with illustrated explanations of the life cycle of the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). Through playful activities, children learned how seeds spread and what conditions plants need to grow and thrive. Following this, various leaves and flowers of different shapes were passed around, sparking conversations about easy-to-remember facts, healing properties, and fascinating botanical traits.
Among the leaves introduced were common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), ivy (Hedera helix), violet species (Viola spp.), ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata), common sage (Salvia officinalis), peppermint (Mentha × piperita), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), and white clover (Trifolium repens).
The flowers featured included ribwort plantain, white clover, various carnation species (Dianthus spp.), and lavender (Lavandula officinalis).
Children had the opportunity to touch and smell the plant parts while enthusiastically sharing their own experiences and knowledge. The program concluded with coloring activities featuring drawings of medicinal herbs — lavender, ribwort plantain, lemon balm, or common sage — onto which the live parts of the respective plants were also affixed.
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Photos: Herbs in illustrations (Kishajó Baptist Kindergarten; taken by Noémi Rausch and Andrea Horváth)
Both events were professionally coordinated and conducted by Dr. Nóra Papp, Associate Professor at the Institute of Pharmacognosy of the Faculty of Pharmacy, who also personally led the sessions. Through shared games, the discovery of colors and scents, and the exchange of personal experiences, the children were able to connect more deeply with nature and become more open to its values.
“It was a joy to tell stories to children of this age group and to see their enthusiasm and engagement. Let’s introduce them to the treasures of nature from an early age!”
– emphasized Dr. Nóra Papp.