The Garden Boxes 2

(Responsibility, Ownership)

A few weeks ago, we potted some plants in garden boxes in the Early Years playground. We gathered to talk about our next steps. The children looked at a picture of the plants and began to make suggestions and share their thinking.

• Tracey “This is the little tree. The little tree is growing up.”
• Patrick “The little tree is growing up, they climb up. It grows up and up here, on the metal bars.”
• Doho “Water in soil and tomato go up and big.”
• Patrick “What seeds is it? I think it is potato seeds.”
• Noah “Ms. Dora helped us.”

Teacher “Yes, she did, but who will take care of them now?”

• Tracey “The helpers. US! We need to put water and the sun will let them grow up. We can do one by one. We can line up.”
• Patrick “4 people helping to water one box. I think Chloe, Sean, Eunice and Doho in one group.”

The children were not sure about this proposal so they continued to share other suggestions.

• Olivia “I have a different idea. My idea is I want to do the little tree. Have water to the tree. Little tree to be a big tree.”

• Tracey “Who is sitting good, they can put the water.”
• Kenan “two people are changing.”
• Olivia refers to the helper of the day chart and suggests “Kenan and Noah go first. Because he is the helper.”
• Noah stands up to explain the plan further and reiterate what Olivia suggested.
• Patrick “Mason and Noah will go tomorrow.”

The children decided that this was the best suggestion, and so a plan was created.  They agreed to take turns to water the plants. We heard the children talk about growth and change, and what plants ‘need’ in order to grow. Many of the children were eager to take responsibility to care for the plants while others listened to the debate.

We noticed how the children shared and negotiated ideas. Their suggestions were considered and in the end, they were able to agree on a plan to care for the plants. The children continue to wonder what type of plants they were growing. It was hard to tell as there were no leaves or fruits on the plants.  

 

Our learning continues….

Approaches to Learning (ATL’s)

Research Skills

• Ask or express through play questions that can be researched.
• Use all senses to observe and notice details.

Communication Skills

• Listen actively and respectfully to others’ ideas.
• Participate in conversations.
• Negotiate ideas and knowledge with peers and teachers.

Living things

Students understand that living things have basic needs, including food and water.