A Plant Unit for Teachers!

    In my classroom it is very important that children are given the opportunity to fully engage with the curriculum incorporating a hands-on approach.  One of my favorite units to teach is the “life cycle of a bean plant.” Not only do I love to grow and take care of plants as a hobby of my own, but I love the many ways in which you can teach children about plants.  It’s a topic they love!  When learning about plants and flowers, the children can get their hands dirty and watch what we are learning happen before their very eyes!
    In my plant unit, there are ten science lessons including advanced vocabulary and thoughtful correlating activities. The unit begins with the topic of living vs. non-living things and moves on to complex science topics such as photosynthesis.  As a teacher, I realize that lesson plans need to be adapted to your specific needs and materials, therefore, each lesson has a very short and vague outline to allow for your personal touches.  I wanted to provide teachers and educators a packet of many activities that you could take and leave as you please.  There are many Common Core Standards that apply to this unit as a whole, but you will find a list of some of the main standards that are applicable to this unit in its entirety. (Preview does not include all pages, there are 172 pages in all)

Click on a picture to purchase my unit on TpT! $8

    Also included are various literacy and math games and activities that can go along with the time spent on learning about plants.  These games and activities practice skills commonly seen in a kindergarten classroom (beginning of first grade or struggling learners as well).  The story of Jack and the Beanstalk can be used as a correlating literacy lesson and has accompanying activities.

    In my classroom, as a culmination of our unit, we are able to showcase what we have learned at our biannual science fair.  It is SO exciting for me to see the children explain to their family and friends the meaning behind “cotyledon” and the process of “capillary action!”

    I have to share my absolute favorite part of this unit!  Really, this isn’t just my favorite part of the unit, it is my favorite part of this year.  I have been trying to take an idea in my head and bring it to reality for a few years now and needed lots of help!  The wonderful and generous families this year helped make my dream come true and create a classroom garden in our courtyard.  I wish I took pictures of it before it was cleaned out because it was a sight for sore eyes, for sure!!!  Here are some before pictures after an awesome dad weeded and cleaned out the bittersweet, prickers, and whatever else was in there! Before this you couldn't even see the ground!

I had some more lovely fathers come in on a Sunday and build us some raised beds.  Aren't they something?

Finally, the children (who have been staring longingly through the window out to our project), were able to plant herbs and vegetables and bring this space to life.
How adorable is it to see children learning in this way?

Isn’t it precious? Ugh, I just feel like that emoji with the heart eyes when I look at it!!!!

Now we can all enjoy this beautiful space day in and day out!

Thank you so much for reading and I hope you can put this unit to good use!