Why Is There an Orange in My Stocking?! Nature Study
Have you ever wondered why children long ago were thrilled to find an orange in their Christmas stocking? This festive episode of the No Sweat Nature Study Podcast invites your family into a sweet slice of history and science! It’s the perfect orange nature study to enjoy during the holiday season, blending curiosity, nutrition, and the wonders of nature into one cheerful lesson.
In just a few minutes, your children will learn why oranges were such a treasured gift, how nature provides during the winter, and how to spot some of its seasonal surprises for themselves.
Orange Nature Study
Use these questions to chat with your children after listening to the episode. They’re perfect for reviewing science concepts and sparking a fun discussion.
- What fruit was sometimes found at the very bottom of a stocking long ago?
(An orange.) - Why was receiving an orange such a big surprise on Christmas morning?
(Because oranges were rare, hard to get, and considered a special treat.) - What kind of places do oranges grow best in?
(Warm, sunny places.) - What vitamin in oranges helps keep people healthy in the winter?
(Vitamin C.) - How does vitamin C help your body?
(It helps your immune system, helps you heal from cuts, and keeps your gums and teeth healthy.) - What are some other gifts children might have found in stockings long ago?
(A peppermint stick, a little wooden toy, a shiny red apple, some nuts, or a handmade scarf.) - Why did people often give natural or handmade gifts in the past?
(Because stores were far away or didn’t have much to offer, especially in winter.) - What is one gift from nature you can still enjoy during winter today?
(Answers will vary based on each child’s preferences.)
Orange Nature Study Video Class
The upcoming No Sweat Nature Study video class about oranges is a perfect way to bring seasonal science to life! Your children will learn how oranges grow, explore the parts inside and out, and discover the reasons this sweet fruit was once such a treasured winter treat.
This class is more than just a science lesson—it’s a delightful blend of observation, creativity, and curiosity. With pencils or paints in hand, students will turn what they learn into a beautiful nature journal page while uncovering the wonder tucked inside every juicy slice of an orange.
Your Favorite Nature-Themed Books
The No Sweat Nature Study Podcast community has been sharing recommendations of excellent nature-themed books. Click here to find a compilation of listener favorites!
Would you like to record a voicemail to answer this season’s nature study question?
At the end of each No Sweat Nature Study Podcast episode, Mrs. Cindy includes messages from a few of her friends. You can record a message that she might use on an upcoming episode!
All children must have their parents’ permission before leaving a recording. Parents are welcome to record an answer, too!
Each season, there will be a different question to answer. You can see this season’s question below. Think about your answer first, and then follow these simple directions:
- Click the “Start recording” button.
- Tell me your first name. (If you want to tell your age and/or where you live, feel free to do that.)
- You will have 60 seconds to answer the question, but try to be concise.
- Push the play button to listen to your recording before sending it, to ensure it is recorded correctly. If not, record it again.
Please leave a rating or a review on your podcast app! It helps the podcast to show up for more people…which means more families can enjoy science through the wonderful lens of nature study! Thank you!