Classroom Garden — Plot to Harvest

Gardening is the elementary child's cosmic classroom. Seasons, soil, water — all the cycles are felt. A weedy or dry plot is the honest control. Indirect aim: biology, stewardship, food literacy, the cosmic task of tending life.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Care of Environment
• Level: Ages 6-8

Objectives

• Prepare a garden plot: soil, sun, water
• Plant seeds and seedlings on a schedule
• Tend weekly: water, weed, compost
• Harvest and eat what grew

Materials

• Garden plot or raised bed
• Seeds appropriate to season
• Trowels, watering can, compost
• Garden journal with planting chart

Instructions

1. Test soil; amend with compost. 2. Plan planting schedule by season. 3. Plant seeds at correct depth and spacing. 4. Water daily; weed weekly. 5. Observe and record growth. 6. Harvest when ripe. 7. Wash and cook the produce. 8. Save seed for next season.

Educator tip

The first harvest is a class celebration. Even one tomato becomes a feast. Let children lead; the garden teaches when adults step back.

Assessment

Observe planting accuracy, weeding discipline, harvest timing, and children's growing knowledge of each plant.

More from Practical Life

• Running a Classroom Business
• Planning a Multi-Day Class Trip
• Cooking a Traditional Dish from a Studied Culture
• Sewing a Simple Garment from a Pattern
• Maintaining the Classroom Calendar
• Hosting a Parent Evening
• Volunteering at a Local Non-Profit
• Journalism — Writing for a Real Audience