Embedded Files
April 13-16
April 13-16
As the grass, trees and flowers bloom around us this spring, we have begun to discuss how it all grows and what it needs to grow. As these discussions continue, we began a class planting project in STEM. Through this interactive grass growing activity, the children will cultivate real grass, observe plant needs and observe the stages of plant growth first hand. This hands-on exploration is really tangible and engaging for children - they are directly involved with each step and have full control over their grass!
Key Steps in Plant Growth Observation:
Setup & Labeling: Label containers to differentiate variables (e.g., light vs. dark, amount of water) and identify the different parts.
Routine Care & Inspection: Maintain consistent watering and light, ensuring plants are kept in the same location to avoid external variations.
Observations (Qualitative): Monitor physical changes, including leaf color, stem strength, leaf texture, and signs of stress or pests.
Recording Data: Maintain a journal with dates to record measurements and detailed notes, including drawings to track progress over time.
The children colored their house of choice and prepared to place it in their container so the grass was the "front yard" of their house.
The steps in the planting process were reviewed using a simple book. As each page was read the actual material was described and explored.
The next step was to go to the garden and fill the containers with dirt.
And cover the top with grass seeds.
We then brought the containers inside and sprayed the water in them. The spray bottles require using both hands and are good fine motor practice! We used the greenhouse effect by covering them on the first day to see what happens.
The next day we uncovered the containers, set up our observation station and reviewed our observation and documentation materials. The observation journals are a new tool for the children, so we spent some time talking about how to use them and modeling each step. The journal requires drawing and marking the process, which helps the children practice following a sequence of steps as well as multi-step directions.
It was finally time to follow the steps to maintain and observe our grass! We reviewed each step in the process and then did the first one all together. We observed and documented what our lawn looks like and then watered it. Now each morning when the children arrive they will observe their grass, document their findings and then water the grass. We're excited to see how the grass changes each day and how our observation and documentation skills grow!
Visuals with step-by-step directions are essential for preschoolers because they align with young children's developing brains, which process visual information better than verbal commands. These tools foster independence by making expectations clear, consistent, and easy to follow at their own pace
Grow grass grow!
Grow grass grow!
Observation journals in preschool are invaluable tools that foster cognitive growth, fine motor skills, and social-emotional development by encouraging children to document their world through drawings, scribbles, and early writing.
Benefits of Observation Journals in Preschool:
Development of Cognitive and Literacy Skills: Journaling helps children process information, build vocabulary, and connect ideas, which are foundational for reading and writing. It strengthens memory and comprehension by encouraging children to revisit past experiences.
Scientific and Inquiry Skills: Children learn to observe with purpose—noticing colors, patterns, and changes over time (e.g., in nature), which lays the groundwork for scientific thinking.
Fine Motor and Artistic Development: The act of drawing, sketching, and writing in journals builds hand control and fine motor skills necessary for pencil-holding and letter formation.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse