for a dollar

These shovels and rakes can be purchased at Dollar Tree

each. $2

These bugs and snakes come in small packs at Dollar Tree

and the tote
should have about three packs because
some may get lost or ruined. $3

Two buckets
than one child. $2

dollar each. A

Shovels and bucket combinations are $1.00 at Dollar Tree.

would be useful for families with more

Small gardening tools can be found at Dollar Tree for a

set of three would be $3.

Two pairs of Gardening gloves for parent and child. Can be

anywhere for a dollar for each pair. $2

found almost

about insects

they are $1.

This bug magnify discovery kit would be cool for kids to learn
they find in their garden. At Dollar Tree

because it
families and
done in a classroom.

I would put this book in the tote

provides so many great ideas for
these things could also be
$10.97 onAmazon.com

Written by Laurie Carlson and published by Chicago Review Press, this book is over 100
pages of fun and creative gardening projects geared for children ages 4 through 8. I
like that the activities cover things that can be done both indoors and outdoors.
*If I could add anything to this tote I would add seeds for the children to
grow. This may be difficult because they would have to be replaced and
could become an unnecessary expense.*

Recommended Gardening Books for Children

Family Garden
Objectives

The family will create a garden and observe the growth of the plants.

Materials

Garden spot

Child-sized garden tools

Seeds

Watering cans or spray bottles

Procedures
1. Select a spot for the garden, and then help till it. (Use landscape timbers or rocks to outline the
area.)
2. Decide which vegetables they would like to grow, and then purchase the seeds.

3. Read the directions on the seed packets and make a diagram of the garden to outline where to
plant different seeds.
4. Several days before planting, dig in the dirt with their tools and shovels.
5. Let the children make the rows, plant the seeds, and water their garden. (Label each row.)
6. Care for the plants by pulling weeds and watering them throughout the year.
7. Encourage children to "harvest" their vegetables and prepare them for snack or lunch.
8. Make a scarecrow for your garden. Stuff an old hose with leaves and straw for the arms and legs,
and then dress it in old clothes. Make a head from a grocery sack and stick on a funny hat

MAKE YOUR OWN DIRT CAKE!

Here is a simple recipe that is fun and exciting for children.
Ingredients:

Chocolate pudding
Cool whip or any other whipped topping
Oreo cookies
Gummy worms or bugs

The best part about this recipe is that you can make it look whatever way you want it to. You
could use small planting pots to make individual servings or a large cake pan. First you will need
to make chocolate pudding. Make as many boxes as needed for everyone. Crush up your Oreo
cookies so they are broken up to look like dirt. When putting this together you first put a layer of
chocolate pudding then whipped cream and Oreos. Repeat this process as many times as you
would like. On the top layer do not add cool whip just add the crushed cookies. This will give the
appearance of dirt. To add some fun for the kids, put gummy worms and bugs on the top to.

Grade Level Content Expectations

S.IP.00.11 Make purposeful observation of the natural world using the appropriate senses.

S.IA.00.12 Share ideas about science through purposeful conversation.

S.IA.00.13 Communicate and present findings of observations.
S.RS.00.11 Demonstrate scientific concepts through various illustrations,
performances, models, exhibits, and activities.
P.FM.00.11 Describe the position of an object (for example: above, below, in front of, behind,
on) in relation to other objects around it.
L.OL.00.11 Identify that livi E.SE.00.11 Identify Earth materials that occur in nature (sand,
rocks, soil, water). *
E.SE.00.12 Describe how Earth materials contribute to the growth of plant and animal life. ng
things have basic needs.
P.PM.01.22 Demonstrate that water as a liquid takes on the shape of various containers.
E.ES.01.12 Demonstrate the importance of sunlight and warmth in plant growth.
L.OL.02.14 Identify the needs of plants.
L.OL.02.22 Describe the life cycle of familiar flowering plants
including the following stages: seed, plant, flower, and fruit
L.HE.02.13 Identify characteristics of plants (for example: leaf shape, flower type, color, size)
that are passed on from parents to young.

Useful Websites foe Educators

http://www.kidsgardening.org/content-themes
http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Kindergarten_Gardening/
http://www.pbs.org/teachers/connect/resources/4370/preview/
http://www.gardeningwithchildren.co.uk/school-zone/national-curriculum/
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/kindergarden/kinder.htm

http://www.teach-nology.com/themes/science/plants/
http://www.nourishinteractive.com/nutrition-education-printables/category/9-kidsgardening-growing-healthy-food
http://www.k-3teacherresources.com/gardening-with-children.html
http://www.morrisons.co.uk/letsgrow/TeachingResources/Teaching-Resources/
http://www.thekidsgarden.co.uk/