Our preschool children have been deeply engaged in a series of rich, hands-on experiences that connect them with nature while supporting their fine motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and emerging scientific understanding. Jenn introduced a PotMaker — a tool that transforms strips of newspaper into small biodegradable pots, perfect for starting seedlings. Merline led a step-by-step demonstration, showing how to roll, tuck, press, and twist to form the pots. Grayson and Luke made thoughtful observations, comparing the pots to cups and noting their size in relation to the seeds. Jaime and Sacarra showed resilience and adaptability when they adjusted their technique for better control, while Oscar and Finnigan enthusiastically counted their twists aloud. Rowan proudly declared, “My mom and dad are going to love this.” The activity fostered patience, turn-taking, and independence as the children carefully followed each step to craft their pots.
With pots ready, we moved on to planting seeds. The children chose from a variety of options: peas, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, and tomatoes. Each child added soil to their pot, gently planted their chosen seed, and topped it with more soil. This activity not only taught them about the planting process but also instilled a sense of ownership and responsibility for their individual gardens.
You may remember last month we planted grass seed and watched it grow. This month, the children eagerly observed the grass they had planted in the solo cups, noting how it had grown taller each day. When it was time to trim the grass, we discussed scissor safety, and the children practiced their fine motor skills by cutting the grass. Jaime and Wesley expressed their delight, saying things like, “Look how much cuttings I got” and “Look how little my grass got.” They also shared experiences from home, mentioning how their parents cut the grass. Inspired by their enthusiasm, we extended this activity outdoors, where the children used scissors to trim longer grass in the field, demonstrating teamwork and problem-solving as they worked together.
To further explore nature, Merline organized a sensory tuff tray activity featuring lilacs, dandelions, and branches of thyme, along with scissors, magnifying glasses, and mortar and pestles. The children were captivated by the vibrant colors and enticing scents, comparing the aromas and experimenting with the tools. Anna V and Anna D observed how crushing the flowers released their juices. The exploration evolved into dramatic play, with the children concocting soups and porridge. Sacarra, Marcelo, and Grayson fashioned beautiful flower arrangements in mason jars, carefully trimming the stems and some flowers. This activity fostered communication and language development as the children articulated their actions and creations.
Through these interconnected activities, the children have not only learned about gardening and nature but have also developed essential skills such as observation, patience, and collaboration. Their enthusiasm and curiosity continue to drive our collective exploration of the natural world.
