Hands-On Planting

Overview

This 50-minute lesson supports Entry Level 1 students as they practically engage with gardening by planting their chosen plants. It is the eighth lesson in the "Gardening Basics Exploration" unit. The lesson is designed to enable learners to apply previously acquired knowledge and develop basic skills related to planting, care, and growth of plants through hands-on experience.

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National Curriculum Alignment

Although Entry Level 1 is for learners with specific needs, this session draws on principles from the National Curriculum (England) - Science (Key Stage 1), adapted appropriately to Entry Level standards focusing on practical personal development and understanding of the natural world through sensory and experiential learning.

Relevant Learning Objectives from Science at Key Stage 1 (Adapted for Entry Level 1):

• Plants: identify and name a variety of common plants and describe how they are cared for
• Working Scientifically: asking simple questions and recognising that they can be answered in different ways

Entry Level 1 Functional Skills (Personal Development):

• Develop confidence and ability in following instructions for routine tasks
• Demonstrate understanding of familiar objects and simple practical processes in their immediate environment

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Identify the parts of their chosen plant before planting (e.g., stem, leaves, roots)
• Follow step-by-step instructions to plant seeds or seedlings into containers or garden beds
• Apply basic planting techniques (e.g., depth, spacing, watering) introduced in previous lessons
• Recognise the importance of care (watering, light) necessary for healthy plant growth
• Use simple key vocabulary related to gardening with support (e.g., soil, water, seed, root)

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Resources

• Small pots or garden bed sections prepared beforehand
• Soil or compost suitable for planting
• Seeds and/or seedlings chosen earlier in the unit
• Watering cans or spray bottles
• Garden gloves
• Labels and waterproof pens to name the plants
• Visual step-by-step instruction cards (pictorial and word-based)
• Aprons or protective clothing

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity (10 minutes)

Activity: Plant Part Sorting

• Present real plant parts or laminated pictures of plant parts (roots, stem, leaves, seeds).
• In pairs, students sort and name each part with teacher support.
• Use a simple Q&A to reinforce vocabulary (e.g., “Which part grows underground?”, “Which part gets sunlight?”).
• Reference to prior theory lessons (Lesson 6 & 7) thus reinforcing learning through recall.

Assessment:

• Observe participation and ability to match plant parts to names (oral or gestural responses).

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2. Main Activity (30 minutes)

Activity: Hands-On Planting

• Recap the key planting steps verbally with the class, using picture cards.
• Each student receives their container or section of garden bed with soil prepared.
• Guide students step-by-step as they:
  • Loosen soil and make a hole to the correct depth
  • Place seeds or seedlings carefully into the soil
  • Cover seeds lightly with soil
  • Water gently with watering cans or spray
  • Label their plants clearly with their names

Teacher’s Role:

• Provide individual support and clear instructions, using simple language and demonstrations.
• Encourage independence but offer hands-on help as needed.
• Reinforce safe and gentle handling of plants and tools.

Assessment:

• Checklist: student follows basic steps correctly (making hole, planting, watering, labelling).
• Informal observation notes of understanding and engagement.

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3. Plenary (10 minutes)

Activity: Plant Care Promise

• In a circle time format, invite each student to say or show one way they will look after their plant (e.g., watering every day, giving it sunlight).
• Use visual prompts (small picture cards) to support expression.
• Summarise how plants need care to grow well, linking to science knowledge.

Assessment:

• Participation in discussion or non-verbal communication indicating understanding of plant care.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Use multi-sensory resources: real plants, visual aids, tactile soil and seeds.
• Provide one-to-one support for learners who need it.
• Encourage verbal, gestural, or symbol-based responses depending on communication abilities.
• Flexible timing for each activity to suit learners’ pace.
• Safety ensured by teacher supervision, garden gloves, and clear boundaries.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• English: Use key vocabulary to develop communication skills.
• Maths: Count seeds or estimate quantities when filling containers.
• Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE): Develop responsibility and care attitudes by nurturing plants.

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Teacher Notes and Tips

• Prepare all materials in advance to maximize planting time.
• Reinforce prior lessons by revisiting terminology and concepts before planting.
• Celebrate each student's efforts to motivate and build confidence.
• Use photographic evidence post-lesson to track students’ progress and plant growth.
• Consider linking this session with future science observations to complete the learning cycle.

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This lesson empowers Entry Level 1 learners to connect theory with practice, fostering engagement, skill development, and understanding of the natural environment, fully aligned with the National Curriculum ethos of learning through experience tailored for all learner needs.