Preschool “Plants” Lesson Plan
Ages 2 – 5
45 minutes
Circle Time
Book – “The Giving Tree”
Discussion Questions:
· What did the tree give to the man?
· Is the tree alive? Are we alive? Can the tree really talk?
· How do you think the tree grew? Seedling, sun, water, earth
· What else do trees & plants give us? Air, homes for animals, shelter, fun
· What type of food grew on the tree? Apples
o What are some other types of food that grows on trees? Nuts, berries, fruit
o Does anything else grow on trees? Flowers, leaves
Grow Plants Grow – objective is to have the children act out how plants grow
Materials: Hula Hoops, carpet squares or another item to act as a “flower pot” for the children to stand on
· Children stand in their “flower pots”
· They curl into a little ball (seed)
· Teacher wanders around the room and acts like rain “sprinkle fingers” and the sunshine
· Children grow a little (now are squatting but still down low)
· Teacher wanders around the room and acts like rain “sprinkle fingers” and the sunshine
· Children grow a little (now standing w/ legs straight but still bent over)
· Teacher wanders around the room and acts like rain “sprinkle fingers” and the sunshine
· Children slowly spread their arms out wide to grow petals/branches
Activities
Nature Walk
· Take children outside for a walk. Give them each a copy of the plant activity and a crayon or pencil
· They mark off each item that they see
· Ask some questions:
o Why do we have to mow the lawn?
o Why do trees leaves fall every year?
o Why are they different colors?
· While on your walk, discuss:
o New vs old plants (height)
o Trees that have buds, trees that have leaves, trees w/o leaves
o Plants that are different colors and shapes
o Soft plants, prickly plants
Plant a seed
Materials: Small pete pot, small clay flower pot and seeds
· Help children plant their seeds
· Watch them grow throughout a few weeks
· Start a small veggie garden (if you have an outdoor space)
Crafts
Plant or Animal???
Materials: magazine pics of different living objects…some plants, some animals; glue sticks; paper
· Divide paper with a line and have animals on one side and plants on the other
· Children choose different pictures and glue them on to the correct side
· Teacher – discuss different characteristics of plants and animals while helping
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Plants