Weeding the Garden

Weeding develops observation skills (identifying plants vs weeds) and teaches persistent, careful work in service of a shared garden.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Care of Environment
• Level: Ages 4-6

Objectives

• Learn to distinguish weeds from plants
• Develop root-pulling technique
• Build garden maintenance skills

Materials

• Garden gloves
• Kneeling pad
• Weeding tool
• Bucket for pulled weeds

Instructions

1. Put on gloves. 2. Kneel on pad beside the garden bed. 3. Identify the weed (compare to pictures if needed). 4. Grasp the weed close to the ground. 5. Pull slowly and firmly to get the whole root. 6. Shake off excess soil. 7. Place weed in bucket. 8. Add to compost.

Educator tip

Teach 'when in doubt, don't pull it out.' Use picture cards of common weeds vs garden plants. Slow and steady gets the root.

Assessment

Child identifies and removes weeds without disturbing garden plants.

More from Practical Life

• Sweeping Outdoor Paths
• Polishing Shoes
• Cleaning a Mirror
• Setting Up a Work Space
• Leaf Pressing and Preservation
• Cleaning Up After Art Activities
• Watering the Garden with a Hose
• Introducing Yourself