Every week, Child Care Resources will publish The Bored Jar blog, which will provide you with ideas of activities to do with the children in your care. We know that much of the correspondence we send has to do with rules and regulations, but The Bored Jar will only be filled with fun activities. Whenever you’re bored with your kids, try some of our Bored Jar ideas!

Photosynthesis

While searching for a science related activity, I came across this educational and fun activity provided by PreschoolRainbow.org.

During this preschool curriculum activity by Virginia G. students learn about the four elements (soil, sun, water, seeds) necessary for plant growth.

Materials: Poster board, colored markers, empty seed packet, (pictures of the type of seeds you are planting are great for later recognition of the plant), styrofoam cups, potting soil, seeds, water, plastic wrap and a sunny window.

Description: Discuss the four elements needed to grow a plant. Soil, seeds, sun and water. Enlist the students to help draw a sun in the upper corner of the poster board. Make sure there are plenty of "rays’ extending down the poster.

Draw in the soil (brown) on the bottom 1/5 of the poster. Starting on the left side, draw a black seed in the soil. Draw more seeds every few inches, but including some (green) “growth” in each until you have drawn a sprout.

Extend a few of the yellow sun’s rays all the way down from the sun to the sprout.

Add water drops (blue) and a sprinkling can just above the sprout. The class can color in the objects. Display the poster in a prominent place in the classroom.

Next, use the cups and soil to help students plant seeds in their own cup. Add a few tablespoons of water, and cover with plastic wrap. Set in a sunny window for a few days (keep warm at night). When the plants sprout, uncover. Review the steps each day to remind students to water their plants.