• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
  • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Garden Adventures: Tiny Green Thumbs

user image

Jill Pierce

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Garden Adventures: Tiny Green Thumbs

Introduce Pre-K students to the basics of gardening by exploring seeds, soil, and plant growth while engaging in a fun planting activity.

This lesson fosters a love for nature, teaches responsibility through plant care, and builds early science and motor skills.

Audience

Pre-K

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive hands-on learning combined with a brief discussion.

Materials

  • Seed packets (e.g., easy-to-grow flowers), - Small gardening tools (child-safe), - Cups or small pots, - Soil, - Watering can, and - Garden Adventures: Tiny Green Thumbs Lesson Plan

Prep

Preparation and Setup

5 minutes

  • Gather all materials and distribute items per child/group.
  • Set up a designated gardening area in the classroom or outside space.
  • Review the Garden Adventures: Tiny Green Thumbs Lesson Plan to ensure all steps are clear.
  • Prepare gentle reminders for classroom behavior during the hands-on activity.

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

5 minutes

  • Welcome students and introduce the concept of gardening by showing seed packets and tools.
  • Ask guiding questions like 'What do plants need to grow?' to engage curiosity.

Step 2

Demonstration and Planting Activity

15 minutes

  • Demonstrate how to fill a cup with soil, plant a seed, and water it gently.
  • Assist students as they try the activity themselves.
  • Walk around to provide guidance and ensure safety during the activity.

Step 3

Wrap-Up and Discussion

5 minutes

  • Review the activity by discussing what each student did.
  • Explain how the plants will grow over time with care and attention.
  • Encourage students to share what they enjoyed and learned.
lenny

Slide Deck

Welcome to Garden Adventures!

Today, we'll explore how to plant an outdoor garden. Let's discover the magic of seeds, soil, and plant growth together!

Introduce the lesson with excitement. Mention that today we'll learn about planting and caring for our own little garden!

Introduction & Discussion

Let's talk about gardening! What do plants need to grow?

  • Sunlight
  • Water
  • Soil
  • Care

Show images of seeds, soil, and gardening tools. Ask the students guiding questions like 'What do you think plants need to grow?' to encourage interaction.

Demonstration & Planting Activity

Watch carefully as we plant a seed. Then, it's your turn to create your own little garden adventure!

  • Fill the cup with soil
  • Plant the seed
  • Water gently

Walk through a demonstration of filling a cup with soil, planting a seed, and watering it. Encourage students to mirror your actions.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Let's review what we learned today:

  • How to plant a seed
  • How plants grow with care
  • The importance of responsibility in nurturing nature

Wrap-up the activity by asking students to share what they did, what they enjoyed, and what they learned. Emphasize the importance of caring for their plants.

lenny

Activity

Planting Our First Seeds

Welcome to our hands-on activity! Today, we are going to plant our very first seeds in small cups or pots. Follow the simple steps below and let’s have fun creating our own little garden adventure!

What You Will Need:

  • A small cup or pot
  • A packet of seeds (easy-to-grow flowers work best)
  • Some soil
  • A child-safe gardening tool (like a small trowel)
  • A watering can

Steps to Planting Our First Seeds:

1. Preparing Your Cup or Pot


  • Make sure your pot or cup is clean. Ask a teacher for help if needed.

2. Adding Soil





  • Fill your cup with soil until it is about three-quarters full.
  • Spread the soil gently so it is soft and even for your seed.

3. Planting Your Seed










  • Choose one seed from your packet.
  • Make a small hole in the soil with your finger or tool (about as deep as the size of the seed).
  • Place the seed inside the hole.

4. Covering the Seed











  • Gently cover the seed with a little more soil.
  • Pat down the soil with your hand to keep the seed in place.

5. Watering Your Seed













  • Use a small amount of water from the watering can to moisten the soil. Be careful not to use too much water!
  • Ask a teacher if you need help with watering.

Follow-Up Discussion Questions

  • What did you feel while planting your seed?


  • How do you think the seed will change as it grows?


  • Why is it important to water and care for your plant every day?


Safety Tips

  • Always have a teacher or helper nearby during the activity.


  • Be gentle with the tools and the soil.


  • If you spill any water or soil, help clean it up!

Enjoy your gardening adventure and watch your seed grow into a beautiful plant over time!

lenny
lenny