Planting & Growth Observation Journal
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the IPC Level 1 stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to IPC Level 1 for Planting & Growth Observation Journal.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Clear plastic cups or small pots
- Potting soil and a small trowel
- Fast-growing seeds such as beans or peas
- Pre-stapled booklets with blank pages for each child
- Washable markers and crayons
- Spray bottles filled with water
Learning Objectives
- Identify that seeds need water and soil to grow.
- Use fine motor skills to manipulate seeds and soil.
- Practise observational drawing by sketching the plant over time.
- Develop patience by waiting for the seed to sprout.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and show them a dry seed. Explain that it is like a sleeping baby plant waiting to wake up.
2. Demonstrate how to fill the cup halfway with soil using the trowel.
3. Assist each child in placing two seeds into their soil and covering them with a thin layer of dirt.
4. Model how to use the spray bottle to mist the soil lightly, emphasizing that the soil should be damp but not flooded.
5. Give each child their observation journal. Ask them to draw what the cup looks like today, noting the soil and the hidden seeds.
6. Place the cups in a sunny window and label each with the child's name.
7. Schedule a daily check-in time where children look at their cups and add a new page to their journal.
8. Encourage children to draw what they see, even if it is just the soil, to build the habit of consistent observation.
9. Once a sprout appears, guide the children to draw the green stem in their journals.
Educator Tip
If a child becomes frustrated because their seed has not sprouted as quickly as a peer, remind them that every plant grows at its own pace. You can extend this activity by creating a classroom chart to track the height of the tallest sprout each week to introduce basic measurement concepts.
Assessment
- Observe if the child can correctly identify the three basic needs of a plant during group discussion.
- Review the journals to see if the child captures changes in the plant, such as the appearance of a sprout.
- Note the child's ability to follow multi-step directions during the planting process.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.