Weeks 29-31: Growing Things¶

Unit Overview¶


Grade Level	Kindergarten
Duration	3 sessions × 25 minutes
Lesson Type	Long Arc Project
STREAM Focus	S (Science), R (Religion), M (Math)

This three-week unit explores plant growth, connects to Lenten themes of growth and change, and emphasizes care for creation.

Weeks 29-31: Growing Things¶

🎯 Learning Objectives¶

STEM Objectives¶

Students will be able to: 1. Identify what plants need to grow (water, light, soil) 2. Observe changes in plants over time 3. Record observations through drawing 4. Understand that plants are living things that grow and change

Faith Integration Objectives¶

Students will be able to: 1. Connect plant growth to Lenten themes of change and new life 2. Practice stewardship by caring for plants 3. Marvel at God's creation of living things 4. Understand that we grow spiritually just like plants grow physically

🙏 Faith-Reason Integration¶

Catholic Teaching Connection¶

Care for Creation — God created plants and gave humans the job of taking care of the Earth. When we care for plants, we're doing God's work. During Lent, we focus on growing closer to God — just like plants grow toward the sun!

Scripture Connection¶

"Then God said, 'Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it.' And it was so." — Genesis 1:11

Wonder Question¶

"Have you ever wondered how a tiny seed becomes a big plant? It's like a miracle!"

📚 Materials and Preparation¶

Materials Needed (for all 3 weeks)¶

Item	Quantity	Source
Seeds (fast-growing: beans, grass, radish)	Several per student	Teacher purchase
Small cups or pots	1-2 per student	Recycled
Potting soil	1 bag	Teacher purchase
Spray bottles for watering	2-3	Classroom
Plant observation journals	1 per student	Teacher-made
Magnifying glasses	5-6	STREAM supplies
Ruler or measuring strip	Class set	Classroom

Teacher Preparation¶

Pre-sprout some seeds to show different stages
Prepare planting containers
Create observation journal pages
Set up growing area with light
Plan watering schedule (or assign jobs)

📝 Week 29: Planting Seeds¶

⏱️ Timing Guide (25 minutes)¶

Section	Time	Activity
Opening Prayer & Wonder	4 min	Seeds and growth
What Do Plants Need?	5 min	Discussion
Planting	12 min	Plant seeds
Closing	4 min	First observation

1. Opening Prayer & Wonder (4 minutes)¶

Prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for creating plants that give us food, flowers, and clean air. Help us to be good caretakers of Your creation. As we plant seeds, help us to grow closer to You too. Amen."

Show a seed:

"Look at this tiny seed. It's so small! But inside this tiny seed is EVERYTHING needed to make a plant. Isn't that amazing?"

Lent Connection:

"During Lent, we try to grow closer to God. Just like this seed will grow into a plant, WE can grow too — in kindness, in prayer, and in love."

2. What Do Plants Need? (5 minutes)¶

Discussion:

"What do you think plants need to grow?"

Record answers and confirm: | Plants Need | Why | |-------------|-----| | Water | Plants drink water through their roots | | Light | Plants use light to make food | | Soil | Soil holds the plant and gives it nutrients | | Air | Plants breathe air like we do |

Show pictures of plants growing:

"A seed goes into the soil. Then roots grow down, and a stem grows UP toward the light!"

3. Planting Time (12 minutes)¶

Demonstrate planting: 1. Put soil in cup (leave room at top) 2. Make a small hole with finger 3. Put seed in hole 4. Cover gently with soil 5. Water gently

Students plant:

Each student plants 1-2 seeds
Write name on cup
Place in sunny spot

While planting, discuss:

"Be gentle with the seed!"
"The seed is going to sleep in the soil and then wake up and grow!"
"We'll take care of it every day."

4. Closing & First Observation (4 minutes)¶

Start observation journal:

"Scientists observe — they watch and record. We're going to watch our seeds and draw what we see."

First entry:

Draw the cup with soil
Date it
Teacher writes: "Day 1 - Planted seed"

Prayer:

"God, please help our seeds grow. Help us remember to care for them. And help US to grow during Lent too. Amen."

Assign watering helpers for the week.

📝 Week 30: Watching and Waiting¶

⏱️ Timing Guide (25 minutes)¶

Section	Time	Activity
Opening Prayer	3 min	Prayer for growth
Observation Time	10 min	Look at plants
Recording	8 min	Draw observations
Discussion	4 min	What do we see?

1. Opening Prayer (3 minutes)¶

Prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for our growing plants. Help us to be patient like plants — growing a little bit each day. Amen."

Check in:

"Who remembered to check on our plants this week? What did you notice?"

2. Observation Time (10 minutes)¶

Gather around plants:

"Let's look carefully at our plants. What do you see? Use your magnifying glasses!"

Guide observations:

"Is anything coming out of the soil?"
"What color is it?"
"How tall is it?"
"Can you see any leaves?"

Compare to start:

"Is this different from Day 1? What changed?"

If seeds haven't sprouted:

"Sometimes seeds take time. We have to be PATIENT. That's part of science — waiting and watching."

Use measurement (simple):

"Is your plant taller than your finger? Shorter? About the same?"

3. Recording Observations (8 minutes)¶

Observation journal:

"Draw what your plant looks like TODAY."

Guide students to:

Draw the cup and plant (if visible)
Color accurately (green stem? brown soil?)
Add date

Teacher writes or student dictates:

"Day 7 - Stem is growing!"
"Day 7 - Still waiting"

4. Discussion (4 minutes)¶

Share observations:

"What changed this week?"
"What do you think will happen next week?"

Lent Connection:

"Just like our plants are growing a little each day, WE are growing too during Lent. Maybe we can't see it, but God is helping us grow in kindness and love. Sometimes growing takes patience!"

Prayer:

"Thank you, God, for the gift of growth. Help us to be patient and to keep growing closer to You. Amen."

📝 Week 31: Celebrating Growth¶

⏱️ Timing Guide (25 minutes)¶

Section	Time	Activity
Opening Prayer	3 min	Thank you prayer
Final Observations	8 min	Measure and observe
Reflection	7 min	What did we learn?
Celebration	7 min	Share and commit to care

1. Opening Prayer (3 minutes)¶

Prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for helping our plants grow! Thank you for the miracle of seeds becoming plants. Help us to keep caring for Your creation. Amen."

2. Final Observations (8 minutes)¶

Observe plants:

"Wow! Look at how much our plants have grown!"

Measure and record:

How tall is your plant now?
How many leaves does it have?
What color is it?

Final journal entry:

Draw current plant
Write height/leaf count (with help)
"Day 14 - My plant grew!"

Compare journals:

"Look at your Day 1 drawing. Look at your Day 14 drawing. How did your plant change?"

3. Reflection: What Did We Learn? (7 minutes)¶

Discussion:

"What did your plant need to grow?"
"What happened to the seed?"
"How did YOU help it grow?"

Life cycle review:

"First there was a seed. Then roots grew down. Then a stem grew up. Then leaves came out. What comes next?" (Flowers, seeds, and it starts over!)

Lent Connection:

"During these weeks, our plants grew — and so did WE! During Lent, we grow by: - Praying more - Being kind - Giving to others - Getting ready for Easter!"

Wonder Moment:

"Isn't it amazing that a tiny seed can become a whole plant? Only God could design something so wonderful!"

4. Celebration (7 minutes)¶

Share plants:

"Show your plant to a neighbor. Tell them what you learned!"

Commitment to care:

"Your plant needs you to keep caring for it. What will you do?"

Keep watering
Keep it in light
Watch it grow!

Taking plants home (or keeping in classroom): Give instructions for continued care.

Closing Prayer:

"Thank you, God, for the miracle of growth. Thank you for plants that give us food and beauty. Help us to always care for Your creation. As we get close to Easter, help us to keep growing in love. Amen."

✅ Assessment¶

Observation Journal Check¶

Element	Week 29	Week 30	Week 31
Completed drawing	☐	☐	☐
Shows accurate observation	☐	☐	☐
Participates in discussion	☐	☐	☐

Science Understanding¶

Concept	Demonstrated
Plants need water	☐
Plants need light	☐
Plants grow and change	☐
Seeds become plants	☐

Success Criteria¶

Student cared for plant throughout unit
Student can name what plants need to grow
Student shows growth in observation journal

🔄 Differentiation¶

For Students Who Need Support¶

Pre-drawn journal pages to add details
Focus on verbal observations
Partner for planting and observing
Simple "tall or short" measurement

For Advanced Learners¶

Measure in centimeters
Count leaves accurately
Predict what happens next
Compare different plants' growth

🆘 Substitute Teacher Notes¶

Any week: 1. Prayer about creation 2. Water the plants (check if soil is dry) 3. Observe: "What do you see?" 4. Draw or color a plant picture 5. Closing prayer

Key message:

"Plants are living things that need water and light to grow. God made plants, and we take care of them!"

📖 Vocabulary¶

Word	Definition	Visual Cue
Seed	The beginning of a plant	Seed shape
Soil	Dirt where plants grow	Brown material
Roots	The part underground that drinks water	Lines going down
Stem	The part that grows up	Line going up
Leaves	The green parts that get light	Leaf shape
Grow	To get bigger	Arrow up

📎 Home Connection¶

Week 29 Note:

"We planted seeds today! Your child is learning about what plants need to grow: water, light, and soil. During Lent, we're connecting plant growth to our own spiritual growth. Ask your child: 'What did you plant? What does it need?'"

Week 31 Note:

"Our plants grew! Your child observed and recorded changes over three weeks. If they're bringing their plant home, please help them continue caring for it. Plants need water (when soil is dry) and light. Ask your child to show you their observation journal!"

Lesson Version: 1.3
Last Updated: 2025-12-05