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Session 11: Growing Things

Overview

Grade: Kindergarten | Duration: 25 minutes | Session: 11 of 17

Students explore plant life, planting seeds and learning about what plants need to grow—celebrating God's gift of growth and new life.

Session 11: Growing Things

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Identify what plants need to grow (sun, water, soil)

  • Plant a seed and predict growth

  • Connect growth to spring and new life

  • Care for God's creation through gardening

Materials Needed

  • 📦 Seeds (fast-growing: grass, beans, or radishes)

  • 🥤 Small cups or pots

  • 🪴 Potting soil

  • 💧 Water spray bottles or small cups

  • 📸 Pictures of plant life cycle

  • 🖍️ Wonder Journals and crayons

  • 📰 Newspaper for tables

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

St. Fiacre — Patron saint of gardeners who grew beautiful gardens and helped the poor with his harvest!

Scripture

"I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." — 1 Corinthians 3:6

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you make things grow! Thank you for seeds that become plants, plants that give us food and flowers. Help us be good caretakers of your growing world. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (4 minutes)

  1. Season Connection — "It's spring! What's happening outside?"
  2. Plant Needs — "What do plants need to grow?"
  3. ☀️ Sunshine (light)
  4. 💧 Water
  5. 🪴 Soil (food)
  6. Show Seed — "Can you believe a big plant comes from this tiny seed?"
  7. Today's Activity — "We're going to plant seeds!"

Main Activity: Planting Seeds (15 minutes)

Part 1: Observation (3 minutes)

  • Examine seeds closely (magnifying glasses if available)

  • "What do you notice?"

  • "What's hiding inside?" (A tiny plant!)

Part 2: Planting (8 minutes)

  • Each student gets a cup

  • Steps:

  • Put soil in cup (fill most of the way)
  • Make a small hole with finger
  • Drop seed in hole
  • Cover gently with soil

  • Add a little water

  • Decorate cup or add name label

Part 3: Prediction (4 minutes)

  • "What do you think will happen?"

  • Show plant life cycle pictures

  • "We'll watch and see!"

  • Discuss where to put plants (sunny spot)

Wonder Journal (3 minutes)

  1. Draw your planted seed
  2. Draw what you think it will look like when it grows

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Care Plan — "How will we take care of our plants?"
  2. Growth Connection — "God helps things grow—even you!"
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for seeds and growth. Help us be patient as we wait and watch. Bless our plants and help them grow. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Named what plants need (sun, water, soil)

  • Followed planting steps

  • Made growth prediction

  • Showed care for plant

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Hand-over-hand planting help

  • Pair with buddy

  • Focus on one step at a time

For Advanced Students

  • Plant multiple seed types

  • Record daily observations

  • Measure growth with rulers

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Plant seeds at home! Good options: grass seed, bean seeds, or flower seeds. Watch them grow together and talk about what plants need. Visit a garden center or nursery.

Teacher Notes

  • Plants will need consistent watering—assign plant helpers

  • Consider sending plants home at end of year

  • Track growth over remaining sessions

  • Fast-growing options: grass seed (3-5 days), beans (7-10 days)

Previous: Session 10 — Weather Wonder
Next: Session 12 — Animal Homes