Let’s Get Planting!

Overview

Unit: Garden Exploration Adventure (Lesson 10 of 13)
Duration: 50 minutes
Class Size: 10 students
Level: Entry Level 2 (Typically ages 5–7)
Subject: Other (Cross-curricular: Science & PSHE with practical outdoor learning)
National Curriculum Focus:

• Science – Plants (Key Stage 1)
• Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)
• Physical Development (Fine motor skills through practical activity)

---

Learning Objectives

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

1. Identify and sequence the basic steps involved in planting seeds and young plants (NC Science: Plants - “Identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants, including roots, stem/trunk, leaves and flowers”).
2. Demonstrate appropriate planting techniques with support, showing understanding of how to handle plants gently and plant them properly (Physical Development – Handling tools and plants carefully).
3. Explain in simple terms why planting properly is important for plants to grow healthily (Science – Understanding plant needs such as soil, water, air, and light).
4. Show care and responsibility by participating cooperatively in a group activity outdoors (PSHE – Managing self and relationships).

---

Resources Required

• Small pots or planting trays
• Seedlings or seeds appropriate for children (e.g., sunflowers, beans, or herbs)
• Compost/soil mix
• Small trowels or spoons for digging
• Watering cans
• Child-sized gloves
• Printed step-by-step visual cards illustrating the planting process
• Large chart or whiteboard for input and recap
• Aprons or old shirts to protect clothing
• Soil bins or trays to contain mess
• Hand sanitiser and wipes

---

National Curriculum Links

• Science (Key Stage 1: Plants): “Identify and describe the basic structure of a variety of common flowering plants.” Pupils learn about plant growth and what plants need to thrive.
• Development Matters (Personal, Social and Emotional Development): Explaining the importance of tending plants encourages care and responsibility.
• Physical Development: Using tools with increasing control.
• PSHE (Early Years Outcomes): Taking turns and sharing in activities build social development.

---

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Recap (10 minutes)

• Welcome and brief recap: Using large picture cards, quickly revisit what was learnt in earlier lessons about plants (roots, stem, leaves, flowers). Ask simple questions: “What do plants need to grow?”
• Learning intention shared: "Today we are going to be gardeners! We will plant our own plants and learn how to do it properly so they grow big and strong."
• Safety talk: Show children the tools and explain safe handling, emphasising gentle care for plants and soil.

---

2. Demonstration (10 minutes)

• Teacher demonstrates the full planting sequence step-by-step using a large pot and a seedling:
  1. Fill the pot gently with soil.
  2. Make a small hole with the trowel or finger.
  3. Carefully place the seedling or seed in the hole.
  4. Cover the seed/plant base lightly with soil.
  5. Gently pat the soil to firm it.
  6. Water lightly with a watering can.
• Use clear visuals and repeat key vocabulary aloud: soil, seedling, hole, cover, pat, water.

---

3. Practical Planting Activity (20 minutes)

• Children work individually or in pairs, supported by adults, to plant their own chosen seedling or seeds following the demonstrated steps.
• Encourage children to verbalise each step as they proceed, with adults prompting where needed.
• Adults monitor and assist in tool use, ensuring safe and gentle handling.
• Incorporate questions to check understanding, e.g., “Why do we pat the soil gently?” or “What do you think will happen when we water the plant?”

---

4. Reflection and Clean-up (7 minutes)

• Gather children in a circle outdoors or inside, model handwashing or hand sanitising after planting.
• Discuss: “What did you enjoy about planting today?” “Why is it important to plant carefully?”
• Use praise to reinforce positive behaviours: cooperation, patience, care.
• Quickly organise clean-up of work areas together to reinforce responsibility for the environment.

---

5. Assessment and Plenary (3 minutes)

• Informal assessment:
  • Observe children following planting steps correctly and safely.
  • Listen to children’s explanations about why proper planting is needed.
• Plenary quiz: Use a fun, simple “Planting Steps” song or chant from lesson materials to reinforce sequencing.
• Collect each child’s planted pot to place in the garden area or classroom window for ongoing observation.

---

Differentiation

• Support: Provide one-to-one adult support for fine motor skills or understanding planting sequence where needed.
• Challenge: Encourage confident children to explain steps aloud and predict how plants will grow over time.
• Use visual cards and prompts for children with language difficulties or EAL to support understanding.

---

Wider Curriculum Links and Extension Ideas

• Art: Children can draw their plants and label parts next lesson (Lesson 11).
• Maths: Count pots/plants or measure soil depth using non-standard units.
• Literacy: Introduce new plant-related vocabulary and simple sentence construction.
• PSHE: Discuss themes of growth, patience, and caring for living things.

---

Teacher Reflection Notes

• Monitor how well children cope with practical skills and adjust support accordingly in future lessons.
• Take photos to document children’s engagement for reports and parental feedback.
• Plan to integrate observations into the next lesson’s focus on plant growth and care.

---

This lesson plan aligns closely with the National Curriculum for England at Key Stage 1 and Entry Levels, bringing science to life through a purposeful, kinaesthetic gardening activity that fosters curiosity, care, and confidence in young learners.