Selecting Garden Plants

Overview

Unit: Gardening Basics Exploration
Lesson: 6 of 10
Duration: 50 minutes
Class size: 10 students
Entry Level: 1
Age Group: Typically young learners (approximately 5–6 years old)
Subject: Other (Cross-curricular - Science, PSHE, and Environmental Studies)
Curriculum Reference: National Curriculum for England – Key Stage 1 Science (Plants), PSHE (Taking care of the environment), and Understanding the World (EYFS links)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

Identify a variety of common garden plants suitable for different conditions (sunlight, water, space). (KS1 Science: Plants - Understand basic needs of plants to grow.)
Describe simple needs of plants and how these affect plant selection. (NC England KS1 Science)
Make informed choices based on growth requirements (sunlight, water, space). (NC England KS1 Science)
Begin to demonstrate decision-making skills and teamwork by selecting plants as part of a group project. (PSHE KS1: Working with others)

National Curriculum Links

Science - Key Stage 1: Plants

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

Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)

Participate in collaborative activities such as group decision-making
Recognise the importance of caring for the environment

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) links (for Entry Level 1)

Understanding the World – The natural world: Explore and talk about different forces and changes in simple ways
Communication and Language: Use new vocabulary related to plants and gardening

Resources Needed

Pictures/cards of various plants (flowers, vegetables, herbs, shrubs) with brief info on their needs
Simple "Plant Needs" chart (sunlight, water, growth height) with visual icons
Blank garden planting layout sheet (A3)
Crayons/markers
Real plants or samples if possible
Whiteboard and marker
Labels/stickers for plant groups

Lesson Structure (50 minutes)

1. Introduction and Engagement (10 minutes)

Welcome and settle the class; review briefly what learners have explored in previous lessons on gardening basics.
Show real plants or pictures of different plants students have seen before. Ask: "Have you seen these plants? What do you think they need to grow?"
Use simple questioning to recall: water, sunlight, space

2. Teaching Input (10 minutes)

Introduce the “Plant Needs” chart using visuals. Explain that all plants need water and sunlight but some need more or less than others.
Demonstrate with a couple of familiar plants – e.g., sunflower (needs lots of sunlight), fern (needs shade). Use thumbs up/down for understanding.
Introduce the idea that in a garden, we need to pick plants that get along well with the place they will grow.

3. Activity: Choosing Plants for Our Garden (20 minutes)

Hand out the pictures/cards of plants and the planting layout sheet.
In pairs or small groups (of 2), learners discuss and choose three plants they want in the garden. Encourage them to think about where the garden will be (sunny/shady).
Use plant cards to match plant needs with garden conditions, stick or draw their chosen plants onto the layout sheet.
Teacher circulates, questions groups: “Why did you choose this plant? Does it like sun or shade? How much water does it need?”

4. Sharing and Reflecting (7 minutes)

Each group shares their plant choices and explains why they selected them.
Recap key points – plants have different needs; we need to think about these to help them grow well.
Highlight collaboration and respectful listening.

5. Plenary and Assessment (3 minutes)

Quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down quiz: Show plant pictures briefly, ask “Does this plant need a lot of sunlight?”
Record observations on whiteboard for quick formative assessment.
Praise all for good teamwork and thoughtful choices.

Differentiation

Support from teaching assistants for learners with communication difficulties during group work.
Use of visual aids, symbols, and real plants for sensory learners.
Opportunities for higher-achieving learners to explain plant needs in more detail or to help peers.

Assessment Opportunities

Observation of group interactions and understanding during the activity.
Responses during questioning to check comprehension of plant needs.
Evaluation of the group planting plans and choices for appropriateness of plant selection to conditions.

Homework / Extension

Encourage learners (with parental support) to observe a plant at home and note what it needs to grow (sun, watering). Bring notes or drawings to the next lesson.

Cross-curricular Links

English: New vocabulary (sunlight, water, shade, growth) linked to speaking and listening.
Maths: Counting plants chosen and recording numbers on layout sheets.
Art: Drawing garden layouts and plants with colours.
PSHE: Taking turns, teamwork, and environmental care.

Reflection Notes for Teachers

Monitor engagement and understanding through questioning and group work.
Adjust plant choices and visuals based on local climate/garden context for relevance.
Celebrate all contributions to build confidence and positive attitudes to science and environment.

This lesson highlights the importance of making thoughtful choices while working collaboratively and connects young learners to their immediate environment, fulfilling both the National Curriculum standards and creating an engaging, memorable learning experience.