Learning how to grow a plant is a fun activity for toddlers, which engages the children in purposeful work. All the children are provided opportunities to create and grow their very own “Grass Head” plant. First, they scoop the seeds into a nylon stocking and add soil on top until they feel it is full enough. Then with a little help from the teacher, they create ears and a nose by pinching and twisting the nylon. The children will then glue on googly eyes to complete the grass head face. Finally, they will pour water into the bottom of the container to keep the soil moist.
We also have our classroom grass head plant named “Bob”. Bob has grass for hair, lives in a shallow dish of water, and loves sitting in the sunlight. Bob’s hair grows very fast, providing several opportunities to cut his unruly hair! A child holds a single blade of grass and snips off the ends. Once the child feels they have cut enough, they tidy up their clippings. This practical life activity teaches a young child how to gently care for a delicate plant.
