How Plants Grow: Lesson Plan for Kindergarten

ByTeaching Resources Desk Kindergarten
Growth of a plant explained

This free how plants grow lesson plan helps Kindergarten students explore what plants need to live by planting seeds, observing daily changes, and recording growth. Children learn through hands-on experiences, drawing, discussion, and simple investigations.

Grade Band: Early Primary (K–1)
Subject Area: Science

Overview

Students investigate how plants grow by caring for a seed over multiple days. They observe roots, stems, and leaves forming, learn what plants need to survive, and connect plants to everyday foods. The lesson emphasizes observation, speaking, drawing, and simple scientific thinking appropriate for Kindergarten and early Grade 1 learners.

Subject Connections

  • Science: plant life cycle, plant needs, observation
  • English Language Arts: speaking, describing, and labeling drawings
  • Math: counting days, comparing growth size
  • Art: drawing and constructing plant models

Learning Goals

  • Identify basic parts of a plant (root, stem, leaves, flower)
  • Explain what plants need to grow (water, light, air, soil)
  • Observe and record plant growth
  • Recognize that many foods come from plants

Materials

  • Fast-sprouting seeds (beans or sunflower)
  • Clear plastic bags or cups
  • Paper towels and soil
  • Water spray bottle
  • Crayons, pencils, and paper
  • Chart paper
  • Plant or seed picture books

Preparation

  • Prepare seed observation containers
  • Choose a sunny classroom window
  • Create a simple observation journal page
  • Gather plant images for discussion

Teaching Procedure

Each session fits a standard class period of 30–40 minutes. The plant observation project continues for approximately 10–12 days.

Session 1 – What We Know About Plants

  1. The teacher shows a flower or plant photo and asks students what they notice. Students share ideas while the teacher records responses on chart paper.
  2. Activity: The teacher explains that students will become plant scientists. Using chart paper, markers, and picture cards, students sort images into “plant” and “not a plant.” Students point, explain their thinking aloud, and demonstrate understanding by identifying at least one real plant example.
  3. The teacher reads a short picture book about seeds and asks students to predict what might happen after a seed is planted.

Session 2 – Planting Seeds

  1. The teacher demonstrates placing a damp paper towel and seed into a clear bag or cup.
  2. Students plant their own seed and place it by the window.
  3. Students draw a picture labeled “Day 1” showing their seed before growth.
  4. The teacher explains watering and sunlight routines, and students help create a classroom care chart.

Session 3 – Watching Germination

  1. The teacher guides students to carefully examine their seeds.
  2. Activity: Students use magnifiers and observation sheets. With pencils and crayons, they draw what they see and circle new changes (such as roots or sprouts). Students present their drawing and describe one change to the class.
  3. The teacher introduces the words root and sprout and labels a class diagram.

Session 4 – Parts of a Plant

  1. The teacher shows a diagram and explains root, stem, and leaves.
  2. Students build a large classroom plant using paper shapes labeled together.
  3. Students update journals with a labeled drawing of their growing plant.

Session 5 – Why Plants Matter

  1. The teacher shows common foods and asks which come from plants.
  2. Students sort picture cards into “plant foods” and “not plant foods.”
  3. Students complete a drawing showing their favorite plant food and dictate one sentence about it.

Assessment

The teacher evaluates understanding through journal drawings, participation in discussions, and ability to name plant parts and needs. Students demonstrate learning by explaining how their plant changed over time.

Differentiation

  • Provide tracing templates for students needing fine-motor support
  • Allow oral explanations instead of written labeling
  • Pair students for observation discussions
  • Offer extension vocabulary (seedling, flower) for advanced learners

Grade Adaptation

Kindergarten focuses on observing and drawing plant growth. Grade 1 students can label plant parts independently and write short sentences describing what plants need to grow.

Extension Ideas

  • Measure plant height weekly using cubes
  • Create a class plant growth chart
  • Plant seeds outdoors in a school garden
  • Compare plants grown with and without sunlight

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