Creating Garden Plans

Overview

This 50-minute lesson is designed for Entry Level 3 students studying the unit "Exploring Garden Wonders." It builds on students’ prior knowledge of plants and gardening from earlier lessons. The aim is for students to create a simple, personalised garden plan, incorporating their understanding of plant types, placement requirements, and care needs. The lesson closely aligns with the National Curriculum for England for Key Stage 1 and Entry Level 3, particularly in Science, Design and Technology, and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE).

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

Identify and select appropriate plants to include in their garden plan, demonstrating understanding of basic plant needs (National Curriculum Science: KS1 - Plants: NC 2014)
Demonstrate simple planning skills by organising plant placement on their garden plan (Design and Technology: KS1 - Design)
Explain how to care for their chosen plants, incorporating knowledge about water, light, and soil (Science: NC 2014, Working Scientifically)
Work collaboratively and communicate their ideas effectively in spoken and written forms (PSHE and English: Speaking and Listening)

Curriculum Links

Science (KS1 - Plants and Working Scientifically):
Pupils should be taught to:
- Identify and name a variety of common wild and garden plants, including deciduous and evergreen trees.
- Describe how plants need water, light and a suitable temperature to grow and stay healthy.
- Use simple equipment to make observations and ask relevant questions.
Design and Technology (KS1):
Pupils should be taught to:
- Develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups, and ICT.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE):
- Use appropriate ways to express feelings and ideas and listen to others.

Resources

Individual blank A3 garden plan sheets with grid outlines
Colour pencils, markers and crayons
Example garden plant cards with pictures and basic care instructions (e.g. sunflowers, tomatoes, daisies, herbs)
Whiteboard/flip chart with a completed sample garden plan
Watering can and small potted plants for reference
Visual schedule and checklist for planning steps
Simple plant care fact sheets (pictorial)

Lesson Structure

Starter (10 minutes)

Recap and Engage

Begin by revisiting key knowledge: briefly discuss the plants from previous lessons — what types they are, their needs (water, light, space).
Show real or potted plants and ask students to describe or recall how to look after them.
Introduce today’s goal: creating their own garden plan to decide what they will grow and how.

Main Activity (30 minutes)

Step 1: Choosing Plants (10 minutes)

Provide plant cards with pictures and simple care info.
Ask each student to select 3-4 plants they want in their garden.
Support students in explaining why they chose these plants (e.g., "I like sunflowers because they grow tall.").

Step 2: Designing the Garden Plan (15 minutes)

Distribute blank garden plan sheets.
Model how to draw a garden layout on the board, showing where to place each plant and label them.
Students draw their plants in the garden spaces, considering spacing and sunlight needs.
Encourage adding simple notes on how they will care for each plant (watering schedule, sunlight, etc.).

Step 3: Sharing and Reflection (5 minutes)

Students pair up and explain their plans to a partner, practising descriptive language and listening skills.
Teacher facilitates a few students sharing their plans with the class.

Plenary (10 minutes)

Group Discussion and Assessment

Gather the class to review key learning points about plant care and planning.
Use a visual checklist to assess:
- Did the student choose appropriate plants?
- Did they plan a suitable location considering plant needs?
- Did they explain how to care for their plants?
- Did they effectively communicate their ideas?
Give positive verbal feedback and suggestions for next steps.

Assessment

Formative: Ongoing questioning during activities; observation of students’ ability to select plants and explain care.
Summative: Review completed garden plans for understanding of plant placement and care instructions aligned with curriculum expectations.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Provide plant cards with clear images and simple text for students with reading difficulties.
Use sentence starters and word banks for writing labels (e.g. “I will water my plants…”)
Allow verbal plan explanations for students with writing challenges.
Support group work to encourage peer learning for social and communication development.

Extension and Enrichment

Invite students to bring photos of plants from their home gardens for inclusion next lesson.
Introduce simple digital garden planning tools or apps for tech-savvy learners.
Plan a follow-up activity where students plant seeds based on their garden plans.

Teacher Reflection

Consider students’ engagement and understanding: were they able to link plant needs with their garden layout?
Reflect on the clarity of instructions and scaffolding provided—did all students participate meaningfully?
Evaluate the effectiveness of paired sharing in consolidating learning.

This lesson ensures students consolidate and apply their knowledge in a meaningful, hands-on project aligned with the National Curriculum for England. It incorporates cross-curricular skills in science, design, and communication, offering an engaging and accessible approach to exploring garden wonders.