Activity
Wondering what to do with all that extra mint leftover from last night's meal? Don't throw it out—make tea instead. It's easy to dry fresh herbs for homemade tea, and concocting your own recipe is a fun kitchen experiment for kids and adults alike. And who knows...you just might come up with your own signature blend!
Subject
RecipesSides
What You Need:
- Fresh herbs such as mint, chamomile, or rose hips
- String
- Push pin
- Spoon
- Wax paper
- Coffee filters
- Spices (such as cinnamon and nutmeg)
- Hot water
What You Do:
- Start by drying the fresh herbs. Have your child tie the herbs in bundles with string and hang them upside down in a cool, dark place. Alternatively, you can also dry herbs in a low oven (around 200 degrees F), checking every few minutes until they are completely dry, but for maximum flavor and quality, air drying is best.
- Once the herbs are completely dry, lay them on a sheet of wax paper and have her carefully crush them using the back of a spoon or another blunt object.
- Add any desired spices to the crushed herbs such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or licorice root. Be careful not to add too much—a little goes a long way!
- Help her trim the coffee filter into a 2" x 4" in rectangle.
- Fold the coffee filter rectangle in half width-wise, then unfold it and place a large pinch of the herb and spice mixture in the middle.
- Fold the filter in half again, then fold in the sides and top of the rectangle to create a bag.
- Make two holes in the top of the bag by carefully pressing the push pin through both corners. Thread a length of string through the holes and tie the ends together.
- Drop the tea bag in a mug and pour hot water over it. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully remove the tea bag, then taste your tea to see how it came out.
Keep experimenting with different blends until you find your own signature brew.
Related learning resources
Friendship Tea
In this lesson, students will discuss the recipe for friendship, make a perfect pot of tea, and reflect on how to make upset friends feel better.
2nd grade
Lesson plan
Does Mint Actually Cool Things Down?
This science fair project idea explores whether mint, known for its âcooling sensationâ really does lower temperatures.
5th grade
Science project
Tea Reading
Delight your first grader by combining a reading activity with a fun "tea party" as she unscrambles cut-up words in a tea bag to form sentences and stories.
1st grade
Reading & Writing
Activity
Tea Party Coloring
This tea party coloring page will delight your doll lover.
1st grade
Worksheet
Tea Etiquette
Tea time is a chance for a lesson in etiquette while she plays. Quality time to read a book and talk about good manners.
3rd grade
Activity
Tea Gift Set
Help your child create a gift set perfect for all the tea drinkers in their life.
3rd grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
How to Make Sun Tea
Take advantage of the summer sun to make you and your child a delightfully refreshing treat--sun tea!
3rd grade
Activity
Tea Time
This tea time activity nourishes students' confidence in addition to improving their reading comprehension skills.
3rd grade
Reading & Writing
Lesson plan
Washi Tea Tin
Upcycle a tea tin by wrapping it with Washi tape!
4th grade
Arts & crafts
Activity
Color the Monster Tea Party
This silly coloring page features three Halloween monsters enjoying a tea party.
1st grade
Worksheet
Wassail Recipe
This wassail recipe gets your child to concoct a sweet and tangy spiced cider. Celebrate the season with this wassail recipe and a few Christmas carols.
Activity
Tea Party Invitations
If your child loves pretend tea parties, host a real one with all of her friends! This printable invitation template is perfect for notifying guests.
1st grade
Arts & crafts
Worksheet
See this activity in a set: Crafts That Help You Stay Healthy!
