Spring Garden Planting: A One-Week Themed Learning Plan
Even when it is chilly outside, we can bring the joy of nature indoors with a fun spring garden planting theme! This week explores seeds, soil, watering, and growing flowers through hands-on practice, sensory exploration, and playful routines. Remember that plans should always be adapted to each child’s own goals and unique pace.
Goals for the week
- Communication: Requesting materials like seeds, soil, and water using words, signs, or communication devices.
- Early literacy: Exploring book vocabulary related to gardens, plants, and growing.
- Early math: Counting seeds, sorting different coloured flower petals, and measuring plant growth.
- Social-emotional-emotional: Practising patience, taking turns with gardening tools, and sharing supplies.
- Fine and gross motor: Scooping soil, pinching small seeds, and stretching tall like growing plants.
Day-by-day plan
Monday
Main activity: Sensory soil bin exploration with spoons and small pots.
Quick extension: Hide plastic bugs in the soil for a fun matching game.
Tuesday
Main activity: Planting real seeds in small cups and labelling them.
Quick extension: Practice gently patting the soil down and watering with a small spray bottle.
Wednesday
Main activity: Counting seeds and matching numbers to flower pots.
Quick extension: Sort colourful flower cut-outs by red, yellow, and blue.
Thursday
Main activity: Pretend play gardening with toy watering cans and garden gloves.
Quick extension: Sing a garden growing song and stretch tall like a flower.
Friday
Main activity: Painting paper flowers using sponges and bright spring colours.
Quick extension: Show off finished artwork to family members or friends.
Materials
- Soil, small cups, and safe seeds
- Toy watering cans and gardening tools
- Counting counters or flower cut-outs
- Sponges and washable paints
Tracking progress
- Notice when the child asks for help or more materials.
- Note how they manage sensory textures like soil.
- Observe turn-taking during shared activities.
Every child learns and grows at their own wonderful pace, so keep things fun and flexible!
For guidance specific to your child’s needs, please reach out to book a free 20-minute call with our Toronto-based team at Bloom ABA.
Cover image: photo by Anita Jankovic on Unsplash
