Planting activities for preschoolers is one of the great ways to teach children about nature and the environment. When the children get their hands dirty by participating in the planting process, they will be able to learn the growing stages of plants, where food comes from, and how to take proper care of their surrounding environment.
Planting Activities for Preschoolers
There are many planting activities that you can engage preschoolers which will still serve as a learning process for them. Some the planting activities are outlined below:
1.Seed Sorting And Matching:
Seed sorting and matching is one the planting activities that enables preschoolers to improve their cognitive domain and sensory observation. It involves providing preschoolers with a variety of seeds and asking them to sort and match them according to their size, shape, or color. This activity helps children develop their sorting and matching skills and introduces them to different types of seeds.
2. Seed Planting:
In seed planting, you can give children a chance to plant their own seeds in pots or garden beds. Along the planting process, you can encourage the children to water and care for their plants as they grow. This activity will teach them about the process of germination and growth and helps them understand the importance of taking care of plants.
3. Natural Search For Plants And Flowers:
Taking children out to search for different species of flowers and plants will enable the children to learn about the different kinds of plants that exist within their environment which will definitely enable them to appreciate nature.
4. Herb Garden:
Another planting activity that can still help preschoolers is the herb garden. Here, you will guide the children on how to plant herbs in pots or garden beds and tell them the different uses. However, if the crops are edible crops, you can encourage the children to taste and smell the difference to enable them to learn about their unique properties.
5. Butterfly Garden:
Preschoolers can also be guided on how to plant flowers that attract butterflies and they will be guided on the life cycle of butterflies. This activity will teach the children about the importance of pollinators and their role in the environment.
Benefits Of Planting Activities For Preschoolers
1.It helps In Children’s Cognitive Development:
Planting activities for preschoolers can enhance their cognitive development by introducing the children to the developmental stages of plant growth. It will enable the children to learn how planting a seed can lead to the growth of a plant, and how different factors such as sunlight, water, and soil can affect the growth process.
2. It Helps In Children’s Sensory Observation:
Planting activities gives children opportunities for sensory exploration. The planting activities help the preschoolers to feel the texture of soil, smell the fragrances of different plants, and see the various colors and shapes of plants and flowers.
3. It Helps In Health And Well-being Of Preschoolers:
Planting activities can promote physical health and well-being for preschoolers. Gardening activities can help children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and overall physical fitness.
4. It Helps To Create Environmental Awareness For The Preschoolers:
Planting activities can help preschoolers develop a sense of environmental awareness and responsibility. Children can learn about the importance of plants and the role they play in our ecosystem.
Tips For Successful Planting Activities For Preschoolers
1.Safety:
When planning planting activities for preschoolers, safety should be a top priority. Ensure that the plants and seeds used are not toxic, and that gardening tools are age-appropriate and safe for children to use
2. Planning:
Careful planning is essential for successful planting activities. Consider the location, timing, and materials needed for the activity. Ensure that the activity is appropriate for the age and skill level of the children involved.
3. Engagement:
To keep preschoolers engaged and interested in planting activities, make the activity fun and interactive. Use storytelling and visual aids to explain concepts, and encourage children to ask questions and share their observations.
