Teach virtues through picture books.
A SECULAR VIRTUES PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGES 5–7
Explore self-control, patience, perseverance, kindness, courage, and compassion through stories you read together. Seeds We Grow guides you through conversations and playful activities that help your child connect the ideas in each book with their own life.
WHY STORIES
Why we begin with stories
Picture books give families a way to explore feelings and choices together, with time to notice what happens, hear each other’s ideas, and consider what someone could do differently.
As you return to a book, your child may notice something new or recognize an experience of their own. These conversations give your family familiar stories and language to draw on as children learn to manage themselves and care for others.
HOW IT WORKS
One virtue at a time
01
Spend a month with each virtue
Each virtue pairs two picture books, with guidance for reading each one four times. Begin by enjoying the story, then return to notice details, think about the characters’ choices, and connect the ideas with your child’s life.
The suggested rhythm is about two reading times a week, with room to move at your family’s pace.
02
Bring the ideas into everyday life
Choose an activity, try some suggested words, or return to the stories when they connect with something happening in your child’s life. The guide helps you support your child as they practice during play, time with siblings, and the everyday situations your family encounters.
03
Guidance for you, with room for their ideas
Each unit offers conversation starters, playful activities, and guidance for the grown-up. You can choose a question that interests your child or follow what they already want to discuss, allowing their observations and experiences to shape the conversation.
The grown-up sections help you understand what you’re teaching and offer practical language for supporting your child as they learn.
THE KEEPSAKE JOURNAL
A journal that becomes their own
The companion Keepsake Journal gives your child a place to draw, write, or tell you what they would like you to record. It can grow gradually as you explore the books and virtues together, preserving their ideas and the moments they want to remember.
Your child can return to these pages when they need a reminder of their own experiences—perhaps remembering a time they used courage and what helped them take that first step.
There is also space for you to write to your child about what you have noticed and what you hope they will carry with them.
VOLUME ONE
What your family will explore
Volume One explores self-control, patience, perseverance, kindness, courage, and compassion, supported by two foundation units.
Your family begins with The Roots, which introduces naming feelings, noticing body signals, and taking a pause before deciding what to do next.
The Bridge connects learning to manage yourself with caring for others. It explores apology and repair, helping children take responsibility, listen to another person, and consider what could help after harm has been done.
Questions families ask
Is this for homeschoolers or any family?
Seeds We Grow is designed for families to use together at home, whether your child attends school or learns at home.
Does my child need to read or write?
No. A grown-up reads the picture books aloud. Your child can draw, write, or tell you what they would like you to record in the journal.
How much time does it take?
The suggested rhythm is about two reading times a week, with one virtue explored over a month. Take more time with a book or idea whenever it suits your family. Conversations and activities can follow your child’s interest.
Are the picture books included?
The picture books are obtained separately through your library or preferred bookseller. Seeds We Grow provides guidance for exploring them together.
Do we need to complete every activity or journal page?
No. Choose the activities that suit your family and let the journal grow when your child has something they want to add. You can return to the stories and ideas when they connect with your child’s life.
Meet the creator
I’m Marcie, a mother of two and the creator of Seeds We Grow. I wanted a thoughtful way to talk with my children about the choices people make and the kind of people we hope to become, with stories to share and practical guidance for bringing those conversations into family life.
Stay connected
Follow Seeds We Grow on Instagram for updates as Volume One takes shape.
@seeds.we.grow