Growing plants with kids is such a fun way to experience nature and learn about the life cycle of plants. Whether you’re doing a full seed theme or simply looking for a gardening with kids activity to add to your existing plant unit there are many ways to extend the learning long after you plant your seeds. Here we are using a plant tracking sheet for kids to draw about the seeds they plant and then record their growth over time. Not only does this encourage continued interest in tending their plants, it also incorporates math and allows for comparisons if you plant different kinds of seeds and use multiple plant growth charts.
FIND EVEN MORE GARDEN ACTIVITY IDEAS IN OUR PRINTABLE GARDEN THEME LESSON PLANS.
How We Use the Plant Tracking Sheet for Kids
Before we plant our seeds we take a bit of time to observe them. At the top of the plant growth chart there is a spot to record what type of seed is being planted and the date it was planted.
There is also a spot to draw a picture of the seed.
You can plant seeds in a garden, in a pot, or in a cup like we did…whatever works for you. The goal here is to allow the kids to observe their plant growth over time.
As we plant our seeds we also research to see the average number of days before germination.
We typically like to tally the days before we see the first sprout and compare our results with our research.
You can do this at the bottom of the first column for the days section, or you can do it on the back of the page.
On the first day we see a sprout we measure the height and do a quick drawing in the first column.
Then we decide how long to wait before we do the next recording. If it is a plant that grows fast we might wait 10 days. If it takes longer to grow, we may wait even longer.
Hint: The younger the kids, the shorter the intervals. I like to grow fast growing plants with very young kids so they see results more quickly. Raddishes, marigolds, and bean plants typically work very well.
Extend the Learning
If you grow different kinds of seeds, keep different tracking sheets for them. That way kids can compare the different heights and features.
GET YOUR FREE PLANT TRACKING SHEET
Click this link if you do not see the pink download button above.
MORE GARDEN THEME FUN WITH PRINTABLE LESSON PLANS
Save time and get right to the playful learning with our printable lesson plan sets. Each set includes over 30 playful learning activities related to the theme, and we’ve provided different versions for home preschool families and classroom teachers so all activities are geared directly toward your needs.
GET YOUR LESSON PLANS
Preschool Garden Theme Lesson Plans
Also available on Teachers Pay Teachers
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