Materials
2 oranges or small foam balls
2 large bowls
2 blindfolds
2 long dowels or yardsticks
2 chairs
2 scooter boards
2 tricycles
Instructions
1. Read the book Flower Garden with the children.
2. Take a field trip to a garden shop. Discuss with the children what sorts of
things happen at a garden shop and how plants grow.
3. Place gardening props in the Dramatic Play Center and encourage the children
to begin to explore the world of gardening. Place a small broom and
dustpan in the area as well and encourage the children to sweep up after
themselves.
4. Tell the children that they will plant their own plants and will be responsible
for watering them.
5. Provide each child with a small cup. Help each child write his name on his
cup.
6. Ask the children what they need to grow a plant. Provide the items that they
name. Hopefully, they have learned from their field trip, the book, and group
discussions that they need soil, water, seeds, and sun.
More to do
If the grounds of your facility allow for one, have the children (and some parent
volunteers) plant a garden outside. Discuss with the children what they need to
do to help the garden grow. With the children's help, make a job chart and
assign the children small daily gardening jobs. You may want to consider the following
jobs: weed police and watering patrol.
