Dear Families,
Lately we have noticed that some of the foods we eat and many plants and trees near our school have interesting seeds.
The children have expressed curiosity about seeds: the different types, how they grow into plants, what they need to grow, how people use them, and what kids of jobs involve working with seeds. Our kindergarten class in Nampa, ID is about to begin a study of seeds that will engage the children and build on their natural curiosity.
We need your help to gather seed-related materials that the children can explore, such as different kinds of seeds, planters, gardening tools, foods that contain seeds, and books or pictures related to seeds. Below is a list of suggested items, but feel free to send any seed-related items that may add to our exploration. Please label materials with your name so we can return them to you at the end of our study. We promise to take good care of them! Also, if you or someone you know works with seeds (e.g. gardener, farmer, agricultural worker, landscaper) and would like to visit our class, please let us know.
Supplies:
- Planters, pots, planting containers
- Seed packets
- Seed catalogs
- Seeds gathered from fruits and vegetables
- Cardboard shoeboxes
- Edible seeds, e.g., sunflower seeds, sesame seeds
- Water cans, spray bottles
- Gardening tools, e.g. trowels, hoes
- Soil, compost
- Fresh fruits and vegetables with visible seeds
- Seed starter kits
- Books about gardening or seeds
Pictures or Videos:
- Children gardening at home or in a community garden
- Seeds being planted in mass quantities or harvested with farming implements
As we study seeds, we will learn concepts and skills related to science, social studies, literacy, math, the arts, and technology. We’ll also develop thinking skills as we observe, investigate, as questions, solve problems, make predictions, and test our ideas.
Notice seeds with your child in and around your home and community. Examine and talk about any seeds in the foods your family eats. Visit gardening centers to look at seed packets and gardening supplies. Look for seeds on walks and point out seedlings growing around trees or bushes.
Look for books about seeds and gardening at your local library. At the grocery store, guide your child to examine seeds in packets, on breads or crackers, or in bulk food bins. Outdoors, notice how seeds get spread. Talk with your child about how seeds grow into plants and how where they are planted affects their growth. Keep a tally of the different kinds of seeds you see or eat each day.
Thank you for playing an important role in our learning!
Mrs. Warren
Kindergarten Teacher at Kangaroo Clubhouse
