plantingtheseed wrote:
jay jay Wrote:
where to start - would that be the lesson plan or the gardening?
it would be where to start in the garden and also where to start
with
the lesson plan.

The problem for children is that gardening is a relatively long-term
process, and they want results. One of the lessons, of course, is to
understand long-term processes, but try to give them something as
soon as possible to keep up the interest.

I'd suggest the familiar mustard and cress on the classroom
windowsills to start with. These will give both something to eat and
valuably visible lessons in germination and simple plant structure.
If you sow some m&c seed outdoors (March) or in pots the children
will also be able to see what the plants do when allowed to grow to
maturity -- you could even harvest seed and grow _that_ on lint to
show the complete cycle.

The usual bulbs in glass will be fun, too. Improvise with jam jars
and a wire framework or chicken-wire basket to support the bulb
(simple design and technology activity, but you may have to do it for
them if they're very young); or just buy a couple of packs from Tesco
or somewhere.

Sprouting potatoes under various conditions -- indoors, outdoors, in
total darkness and in light -- is interesting because the results
look entertainingly weird to the child eye, and also shows how plants
need light. A couple of potatoes tightly enclosed in black plastic
will rot: there's a lesson there, too.

Reasonably quick edible returns come from lettuce (use different
varieties) and strawberries. Tomatoes, especially the little cherry
ones which should provide enough for everybody to get a taste: if the
room has a big southern window, grow them there. Radishes are fast
and pretty, but children rarely like them to eat.

With supervision, even "early years" children can take cuttings from
pelargoniums, and get flowers within the school year.

Hope this helps. And that your school doesn't suffer from vandalism.

--
Mike.