September 17, 2010

Earth Science


As we finish breakfast, the kids eagerly await the promised activity of planting our winter garden.  They each run to their spots around our garden, with shovels in hand.  We talk about planting healthy vegetables and we look at printed pictures of how they will look once matured.  We dig our holes and learn about the gentle ways to handle these seedlings.

One by one, they each plant and count how many plants we have.  We talk about how big they will grow and they ask if we can place a stake to monitor their growth, just like we did when we grew our stalks of corn.  

We realize that once they are planted, it's nice to stand back and admire your hard labor.

Together they decide who gets to do the first watering of our new seedlings.  No one argues and all are willing to let our newest preschooler do the watering.
Taking the time to help kids learn about their world is the best way to allow a child to explore their natural curiosity. In this case, they learned about healthy foods and how to raise and care for it.  They learned about math, spacing and order, while counting and placing the plants in a row along the sides of the garden boxes.  They learned about teamwork and they learned about being caring individuals by showing such delicate handling of the seedlings.  

Days later, we harvest beans and dry them for next year's planting.  

They have enjoyed a full cycle of gardening.  





Now to grow and enjoy this season's bounty.

2 comments:

  1. I have picked our grandchild up from preschool a few times. What a joy to see and know Riley is in such a loving and fun environment! I taught preschool part-time for ten years and am thrilled to see a hands-on, developmentally appropriate preschool. Thank you, Teacher Patty, for all the wonderful activities and lessons. The children are truly blessed!
    Debbie White
    -Riley's Gramma

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  2. Again, Patty another tear jerker blog. Reading these beautiful stories about the children and what they are doing always gets me teary eyed. It is such a beautiful thing you are teaching these children. Thank you for all you do and all the love you show them.

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