Place a wet paper towel in a baggie with a seed, tape it to the window, and watch it grow. Using a jar with cotton is another option.
Mark each growth phase of the seed on a calendar from bean sprout to stem to leaf, etc. How long did it take to grow.
Measure plants in the garden once a week or once a month.
Prompt children to journal their observations as plants grow.
Plant an edible garden. Harvest and add healthy food to their plate. Lettuce is a good option.
Introduce tools to explore soil: magnifying glasses, sifters, scoopers, beakers, measuring cups, a microscope, etc.
Classify, identify, and remove the pebbles/rocks, sticks, and leaves from a pile of soil.
Examine how the soil reacts to water.
Transfer and measure cups and beakers of soil or water.
Dissect and examine a seed, sprout, flower, piece of fruit or vegetable, acorn, or pinecone.
Identify and examine living things in the soil: worms, slugs, pill bugs, ants, beetles, etc.
Hide popsicle sticks marked with colors or numbers for a seek-and-find garden matching game.
Orchards are planted in different patterns with different spacing. Show the children real pictures of orchards taken from aerial views. Use cut-out shapes or pictures of vegetables for children to paste on paper in rows and patterns to design their own orchards.
Be an engineer. Just before snack time, use grapes or apple pieces and toothpicks to build a structure. Discuss the differences. Take apart the creation and eat it.
Author of: The BIG Book of Open-Ended Questions to Intentionally Support Young Children in Learning: Topics for Preschool thru 1st Grade
Angela Russ-Ayon is a mom-preneur, children’s author, interactive trainer on the subject of early childhood, and award-winning artist/producer of music for young children. She presents educational strategies to child care providers, parents, and teachers nationwide for AEYCs, R & Rs, and the like. She is a member of the Recording Academy and is the sole owner of Russ InVision Records. For more information on Angela, her workshops, and her accomplishments you are welcome to visit www.abridgeclub.com. © 2021, Russ InVision. All rights reserved.
Find out more about Angela Russ-Ayon and her affordable interactive keynote and workshop presentations coast-to-coast on the subjects of early childhood development, STEM (science and math), open-ended questions, and family engagement. Visit her training page.
AbridgeClub.com offers fun songs and physical activities for distance learning, virtual classes, webinars, child care facilities, after-school programs, homeschooling, preschools, daycare centers, kindergarten classes, or rainy-day recesses.
For information: Contact: Angela Russ-Ayon
Phone: 562-421-1836
E-mail: info@abridgeclub.com