Objective
By the end of this lesson, your 1-year-old will have fun exploring gardening activities and learning about plants.
Materials and Prep
Materials:
- Small watering can or spray bottle
- Child-sized gardening tools (e.g., shovel, rake)
- Pots or containers
- Soil
- Seeds or small plants
- Outdoor space or a sunny window
Before the lesson:
- Prepare the gardening area with pots, soil, and tools
- Show the child how to use the watering can or spray bottle
- Have seeds or small plants ready for planting
Activities
1. Planting Seeds: Show your child how to plant seeds in pots. Let them use the small shovel to dig and place the seeds in the soil.
2. Watering Plants: Demonstrate how to water the plants using the watering can or spray bottle. Let your child try watering the plants themselves.
3. Exploring Nature: Take a walk in your garden or outdoor area. Point out different plants, flowers, and insects to your child.
Talking Points
- Plants need water to grow: "Let's give the plants a drink of water to help them grow big and strong!"
- Seeds grow into plants: "We are planting tiny seeds today, and soon they will grow into beautiful plants!"
- Plants need sunlight: "Plants love the sunshine, just like we do! It helps them grow healthy and happy."
- Be gentle with plants: "Let's be gentle when touching the plants, so we don't hurt them. They are living things too!"