Earth Matters: Plant a Seed

An #Oskarslittlelearners Activity Tutorial by Kate Kwijas, for Oskar's Wooden Ark

June 02, 2021

What better way is there to understand the delicate balance of nature, than to plant seeds and watch them grow? For children, planting seeds can help develop hand-eye coordination. It requires patience, demonstrates the life cycle of a plant and encourages them to care for and nurture their little seedling.

Sow ‘n Sow have the most beautifully designed range of seeds. They range from Australian Natives, to Leafy Greens, Wildflowers, and so many more. For this activity, any packet of seeds will do.

Will you try this activity with your little learners? Don't forget to share your plant's progress with us on Instagram and Facebook, tagging @oskarswoodenark and using the hashtag: #oskarslittlelearners. We'd love to see what you get up to!

Preparation:

Fold the front cover. Cut along the dotted lines on the remaining pages. Collate and staple into a booklet.

You will need:

1. Seeds of your choice. We chose to plant sunflowers.
2. Small pots - one for each child
3. Potting soil
4. A clear jar or glass
5. Cotton balls
6. A paddlepop stick for each child. Mark centimetre lines on each stick using a permanent marker.
7. Gloves

Steps:

1. Put on gloves.
2. Fill each pot with potting mix.
3. Assist your little learners in carefully sowing one seed in each pot. 4. Gently water each seed.

5. Fill your jar/glass with the cotton balls and fill with water. You want enough water to make the balls damp, but not soaked through.
6. Have your little learner carefully place seeds against the wall of the jar. You should fit 3 or 4 seeds.
7. Place in a sunny position (the windowsill is perfect!) and water delicately each day.

8. Each week, have children measure their plants using the pre-prepared paddlepop sticks by colouring (in a different colour each week) up to where their plant has grown.
9. Encourage and assist your little learner in filling out their Plant Journal.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes:

We have had success planting sunflowers inside and keeping them on the windowsill, during all types of weather and seasons. Children will marvel at the growth of their seeds. The clear jar with cotton balls allows your little learners to see what is going on underneath the soil. Watch their questions unfold as the seeds begin to germinate! 

Why not set up a display or invitation to learn surrounding seeds, plants and flowers. The Grimms Celebrations Decorations work well on a Celebration/Birthday Ring. The Grimms Weather Set also adds not only beauty, but the important pictorial representation of the sun and water/rain and the essential role they play in the growth of a seed.