This simple preschool lesson plan focuses on introducing the concept of greenhouses to young children. The activities below will introduce children gardening through books about greenhouses, a circle time activity, a class project, a music and movement activity, and a field trip to a greenhouse. For each activity you will find the materials, instructions and discussion starters (verbal cues). This lesson plan works well in conjunction with a daycare center unit with a plants and gardening or science theme.
Story Time
Read: Abuelito’s Greenhouse by Susan Ring and Alan Batson
Read: Garden Book and Greenhouse: An Illustrated Guide with Activities for Indoor and Outdoor Gardners by Wes Porter
Read: Out And About at the Greenhouse (Field Trips) by Bitsy Kemper and Zachary Trover
Circle Time: Greenhouse Basics
Greenhouse Basics: Cut out pictures of different types of greenhouses and glue them on a very large piece of art paper. Use pictures that show both the inside and outside of the greenhouse. After reading Abeulito’s Greenhouse, show the children the poster board. Explain that a greenhouse is a glass or plastic structure where plants are grown. As simply as you can, explain that a greenhouse protects plants from heat or cold and traps to heat both the plants and the ground inside it.
Mini Greenhouse Herb Garden
Materials: 2 liter soda bottle, utility knife, potting soil, herb seeds, water, plate
Discussion Starters: Discuss the elements plants need to grow. Bring in a variety of herbs and let the children smell them. What are herbs? Have you ever tasted herbs? Today we are going to plant herbs in a small green house.
Instructions: Ask each child to bring in a 2 liter plastic soda bottle. Remove the label and cut the bottle in half lengthwise so that the bottom half is large enough to hold soil. Create small holes in this half for drainage. Allow children to add potting soil and plant seeds to create an herb garden. Place the lid on the greenhouse. Put the greenhouse on a plate and in a sunny spot. Instruct the children to water once or twice per week as necessary.
Music and Movement: Sunshine Finger Play
Sunshine Finger Play
Discussion Starters: Sunlight is important to plant and and flowers in the greenhouse. It helps them grow.
Instructions: Teach the children the following Sunshine finger play:
“Sunshine Finger Play”
The sun makes the outside a warm place to play
(arms above head in circle)
It makes the flowers grow each day
(holding up hands wiggling fingers)
The sun hides its face during the night
(cover face with hands)
But during the daytime it shines – oh so bright
(arms above head in circle)
Field Trip: Greenhouse
Greenhouse: Plan a fieldtrip to a local greenhouse. Children can learn about different types of plants that can be grown in greenhouses. Children can also learn how to care for different types of plants and experience the wide variety of scents and textures of plants.
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