Classroom Lesson Ideas for Kindergarten and 1st Grade
As I look toward the close of 2024, and work to offer options to join my children on their school campus and share the joy and wonder of gardening, I am collecting classroom ideas and activities to use with my little farmers in training. Below are my first round of options for November and December courses.
1. Growing Wonders: Bulbs, Garlic, and Potatoes
Objective: Introduce students to plant growth cycles, how plants grow underground, and the importance of soil and sunlight.
Lesson 1: Planting Narcissus Bulbs and Garlic Cloves
Activity: Students learn how to plant narcissus bulbs and garlic cloves in small pots, label their plants, and track their growth over time.
Project: Create a “Growth Chart” where students draw or photograph their plants each week to observe and document changes.
Resource Links:
Lesson 2: Potato Sprouts Observation
Activity: Cut potatoes into sections and place them in water, observing sprouts over time. Students learn about plant reproduction and root systems.
Project: Create a potato lifecycle poster as a class, using drawings and photos of sprouting potatoes to show each stage.
Resource Links:
Lesson 3: Underground Treasure Hunt
Activity: Set up a “soil sensory bin” with various root vegetables for students to explore through touch, focusing on discovering shapes and textures of underground-growing plants.
Project: Make a “Soil and Sprout” booklet with each student’s drawing of their favorite underground plant.
Resource Links:
2. Farm-to-Table Exploration: Beans, Lettuce, and Salad Dressing
Objective: Teach students where food comes from, plant life cycles, and the basics of making food from fresh ingredients.
Lesson 1: Sprouting Beans
Activity: Place bean seeds in a clear plastic bag with a moist paper towel and tape it to the window for sunlight. Students observe sprouting.
Project: Make “Bean Journals” where students draw their observations of bean growth over several days.
Resource Links:
Lesson 2: Growing Lettuce Leaves
Activity: Plant lettuce seeds in small pots, showing how to care for and water them.
Project: “Garden in a Cup” – Students plant lettuce in a cup to take home, with instructions for continued care.
Resource Links:
Lesson 3: Salad Dressing Creation
Activity: Students taste-test simple ingredients (oil, vinegar, honey, salt) to learn about flavors. Then, mix their own salad dressing in small jars.
Project: Make a “My Salad Recipe” card where each student illustrates and lists the ingredients they used in their dressing.
Resource Links:
3. Autumn Harvest & Art: Cosmos, Cornucopia, Pumpkin Tasting, Sweet Peas
Objective: Celebrate autumn by introducing seasonal foods, art with natural elements, and the concept of gratitude for nature’s bounty.
Lesson 1: Cornucopia Art Project
Activity: Explain the cornucopia as a symbol of abundance. Provide images and materials (paper, crayons, and real or paper vegetables/fruits).
Project: Create a 3D cornucopia art piece, where each student adds a drawing or crafted “food” to a large cornucopia poster as a class.
Resource Links:
Lesson 2: Pumpkin Tasting Adventure
Activity: Show different types of pumpkins and gourds, then let students taste pumpkin puree and roasted seeds.
Project: Make a “Pumpkin Tasting Booklet” where students draw pumpkins, color them, and describe the taste and texture of what they tried.
Resource Links:
Lesson 3: Planting Sweet Peas and Cosmos
Activity: Discuss flower life cycles and plant sweet peas and cosmos seeds in small pots.
Project: “My Flower Friend” – Each student names their plant, decorates the pot, and is encouraged to “take care of their friend” as they watch it grow.
Resource Links:
Supplies List
Growing Wonders: Bulbs, Garlic, and Potatoes
Lesson 1: Planting Narcissus Bulbs and Garlic Cloves
• Potting soil (approx. 2 large bags)
Lesson 2: Potato Sprouts Observation
• Potatoes (cut into sections): 20 (estimate about 3 sections per potato)
• Clear Pots (for each section in water)
• Bamboo Toothpicks (to hold sections in place)
• Watering spray bottles (optional)
Lesson 3: Underground Treasure Hunt (Sensory Bin)
• Sensory Bins with Lids: 5-10 (for groups)
Farm-to-Table Exploration: Beans, Lettuce, and Salad Dressing
Lesson 1: Sprouting Beans
• Bean seeds (kidney, lima, pinto, or black beans): 3-6 per child
• Biodegradable Clear Ziplock Bags: 1 per child
• Bamboo Paper towels: 3-6 pieces per child
• Masking tape for labeling
Lesson 2: Growing Lettuce Leaves
• Small pots or (biodegradable cups)
• Potting soil (approx. 1-2 large bags)
Lesson 3: Salad Dressing Creation
• Small non-breakable wide mouth jars with lids or swing top dressing jars: 1 per child
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: approx. 1 liter/40 children
• Vinegar (apple cider or balsamic): approx. 2 liters/child
• Honey or maple syrup: 1 TBSP/child
• Kosher Salt (Coarse): 1 TSP/child
• Biodegradable tasting spoons: 1/child
Autumn Harvest & Art: Cosmos, Cornucopia, Pumpkin Tasting, Sweet Peas
Lesson 1: Cornucopia Art Project
• Large poster board to make cornucopia (1 for classroom display)
• Colored paper or fabric scraps (for students to create fruit and vegetables): various colors, enough for 60 students
• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• Scissors and glue sticks
Lesson 2: Pumpkin Tasting Adventure
• Small pumpkins or gourds (for observation): 10-15
• Canned pumpkin puree: approx. 15 students per can
• Roasted pumpkin seeds: 1-2 lbs
Lesson 3: Planting Sweet Peas and Cosmos
• Potting soil 1-2 bags
• Stickers or labels for naming plants
Additional Supplies for Classroom Use
• Disposable gloves for planting activities
• Large garbage bags for cleanup
If you try any of these lesson ideas, please let me know how it goes! We would love to see photos of your class! Happy growing!
Komentar