Materials
colored tape
child-size broom (available at most hardware stores) or fireplace broom
dustpan and brush
Instructions
1. Have the children use cups to help fill the sensory table or a large basin
about halfway full with garden soil.
2. Put the grass seed in a large container such as a waste basket. Provide a
scoop such as tablespoon, small cups, and small sand sifters.
3. Print the following instructions on cards. Draw pictures to illustrate each
step.
* Put one scoop of grass seed in a cup.
* Pour the cup of grass seed into a small sifter.
* Shake the sifter over the soil.
* Gently pat the seed down with your hand.
* Put one cup of water in a watering can.
* Water the seeds.
4. Post the instruction cards near the sensory table or large basin.
5. Let the children work together to plant and care for the seeds. Avoid
over-watering.
16. In a few days the seeds will begin to sprout. Record the growth
progress of the grass by measuring it every few days. Record the
measurements on a graph.
17. After the grass has been growing well for a week or so, add some real
worms.
18. You can feed the worms fruit and vegetable scraps and starchy scraps,
like bread, oatmeal, and pasta. Make sure you always feed the worms
on one end of the sensory table or basin. Use a slotted spoon to sift
and clean out the leftovers at least once a week.
19. As the grass grows the children can play in it with small plastic
animals or dolls.
10. If the grass begins to get tall, let the children use safety scissors to cut
it. Be careful not to cut it too short.
11. Be diligent about having the children wash their hands before and
after playing in the grass and with the worms.
12. Continue the activity as long as the children are interested. When
done, set the worms free in the playground or garden.
More to do Experiment by adding other types of seeds (flower, avocado, orange,
apple) to the garden soil. Make a chart of the seeds you add and predict
whether or not the class thinks they will grow. Record the results on the
chart.
Motor Skills: Provide air-dry playdough for children to make their own
worms. Invite them to decorate the worms with small craft items such as
sequins. Let dry. Have them color the worms with markers or paint with
tempera paint.