Objective
The objective of this lesson is to introduce the 2 year old homeschool student to the concept of gardening, while incorporating math, physical education, and science skills. By the end of the lesson, the student should be able to identify different plants, understand basic counting and measurement concepts, and engage in physical activities related to gardening.
Materials and Prep
- Small gardening tools (e.g., plastic shovel, watering can)
- Pots or containers for planting
- Seeds or seedlings
- A small patch of soil or a gardening box
- Water source (e.g., hose, watering can)
- Gardening gloves (optional)
- A tape measure or ruler
Before the lesson, ensure that the gardening area is safe and free from any hazards. Familiarize yourself with the different plants in the garden and their characteristics.
Activities
Planting Seeds: Help the student plant seeds in the pots or containers. Encourage them to use the small gardening tools and demonstrate how to dig a small hole for each seed. Discuss the importance of watering the seeds regularly and provide guidance on how to do so.
Counting Flowers: Walk around the garden and count the number of flowers together. Encourage the student to touch and observe the flowers while counting. You can also ask questions like "How many red flowers do you see?" to reinforce color recognition.
Measuring Plants: Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the height of different plants in the garden. Explain to the student how measurement works and let them participate by holding the measuring tool and observing the numbers.
Gardening Dance: Play some upbeat music and engage in a gardening-themed dance activity. Encourage the student to move their body freely, mimicking gardening actions such as digging, watering, and planting. This activity promotes physical exercise and coordination.
Observing Insects: Look for insects or bugs in the garden and discuss their role in the ecosystem. Encourage the student to observe the insects closely but remind them not to touch unless instructed otherwise. Teach them to appreciate the diversity of living creatures in the garden.
Talking Points
- "Today we are going to learn about gardening! Gardening is when we plant seeds and take care of plants."
- "Let's use our small gardening tools to dig a hole for the seeds. Can you help me dig?"
- "Count with me as we walk around the garden. How many flowers can you see? Let's touch them gently."
- "Look at this tall plant! We can measure its height using the ruler. Hold it with me and let's see how tall it is."
- "Now it's time to dance like gardeners! Move your body and pretend to dig, water, and plant. Let's have fun while exercising!"
- "Do you see any insects in the garden? They are our little friends. Let's observe them from a distance and learn about their role in the garden."