Circle Can Garden

[20 Minutes]

As you garden together, give your child an opportunity to observe how a plant grows.

You'll need:

• empty metal can (large enough to fit your plant) • potting soil • hammer and nail (ADULT USE ONLY) • small plants or seeds • water • spoon

What to do:

1. Take an empty metal can and punch holes in the bottom with a hammer and nail (ADULT ONLY). These openings will promote drainage.
2. Let your child help you spoon in the potting soil.
3. Together plant seedlings or place seeds in the soil.
4. Show your child how to water her plant and then place it in a sunny spot.
5. As you are planting, sing this song together: (Tune to "The Farmer in the Dell"):

   The gardener plants the seeds.
   The gardener plants the seeds.
   Heigh ho the derry oh,
   The gardener plants the seeds
   Second verse - We feed water to the plants.
   Third verse - The sun shines bright and warm.
   Fourth verse - The plants grow big and tall.

6. Check for growth weekly.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• A plant needs water and sunshine to grow. What do you need to grow big and strong?
• Do you like to garden? Why?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop eye/hand coordination and observational skills related to science. Singing promotes language skills.