Explain that flowers often make people smile. That is why we give flowers to people when they are sick or when they are celebrating something special or even when we just want to do something nice for someone.
Ask students if any of them have planted flowers at home. Share responses. Explain that gardening is also a good way to exercise our bodies. Ask students why they think this is true.
Ask students to show you how a flower grows with their bodies. Start from a crouch position and invite them to slowly grow and open up to be beautiful flowers!
Then, ask them to describe what has to be done to keep the flowers growing.
Explain that gardens don’t get beautiful by themselves. People have to take care of the plants by watering them, weeding them, thinning them, etc., and that means they have to use their bodies!
Have students stand and act out the following physical activities related to gardening as you describe the process:
- First we need to loosen the soil. Let’s squat and pretend we are getting those clumps of dirt all broken up.
- We need to dig a hole that is big enough for the flower—not too deep!
- Next, we need to carefully take the imaginary flower out of the container while making sure we don’t damage the roots.
- Let’s add some water to the hole. The hose is over on the side of the garden so let’s pull it over with our arms .
- Add a little water and then put your flower carefully into the hole.
- Gently replace the dirt around it to support the stem.
- Wow! Stand back and look at your imaginary flower. How does it make you feel?
- Don’t forget we will often have to use the hoe around our plant to keep the weeds away and water it often.
If you were able to obtain some flowers, take students outside to plant them.
Ask:
- What was your favourite part about our experience today?
- Do you think that planting a garden is hard work? Why?
- What other kinds of gardens could you plant?
Encourage students to get their family involved in planting a flower garden. Remind them that flower gardens can be big or small. They can be planted in the ground, in a garden box or pot, or even in a cup! Remind students that they will have to take care of their flowers so that they will grow and be beautiful for everyone to enjoy!