Planting & Growth Observation Journal
Supports agricultural awareness, STEM integration, literacy, and social-emotional development at the IPC Level 2 stage.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS At the Farm
- Learning area: Understanding the World
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Developmentally appropriate objectives aligned to IPC Level 2 for Planting & Growth Observation Journal.
Materials
- Level-appropriate farm-themed materials and manipulatives.
Instructions
Materials
- Clear plastic cups or small pots for each child.
- Potting soil and small trowels.
- Fast-growing seeds such as beans or peas.
- Pre-stapled observation journals with blank pages.
- Crayons, markers, and pencils.
- A spray bottle filled with water.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the basic needs of a plant including water, soil, and light.
- Practise fine motor skills by handling seeds and using drawing tools.
- Demonstrate the ability to record observations over a period of time.
- Use descriptive language to explain changes in the plant growth cycle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Gather the children in a circle and show them the seeds. Ask them to predict what will happen if we place the seeds in soil.
2. Demonstrate how to fill the cup with soil, leaving an inch of space at the top.
3. Guide the children to poke a small hole in the soil with their finger and drop in two seeds.
4. Show the children how to cover the seeds gently with soil and mist the surface with the spray bottle.
5. Distribute the journals and have each child write their name on the cover.
6. Instruct the children to draw a picture of their cup and the soil on the first page to represent day one.
7. Place the cups in a sunny area of the classroom.
8. Schedule a consistent time every two days for the children to check their plants.
9. Encourage the children to draw or describe any changes they see, such as sprouts or stems, in their journals.
10. Facilitate a brief group discussion after each observation to compare how different plants are growing.
Educator Tip
To support children who struggle with drawing, provide printed labels or simple icons they can glue into their journals to represent water or sun. If a plant fails to sprout, use it as a learning opportunity to discuss why some seeds might not grow and the importance of consistent care.
Assessment
- Observe the child as they correctly identify the steps needed to plant a seed.
- Review the journal entries to see if the child captures sequential changes in the plant.
- Listen for the child using vocabulary like sprout, root, or stem during group discussions.
Educator tip
Guided questioning to encourage language, reasoning, and participation. Differentiate for ability levels; incorporate sensory supports; ensure safety.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observation checklist or rubric aligned to developmental stage.