From Little Things Big Things Grow

At the beginning of the year, the students in ELC discovered some very curious looking seed pods in the garden, which sparked a rich and lengthy inquiry into seeds and their growth.

The boys and girls were most interested in what was inside the seed pods and were fascinated by the wispy threads that moved with the slightest waft of air and cocooned the seeds to keep them safe within the pods. A walk over to the Senior Campus saw the students embark on a seed-hunting expedition, where they collected a variety of seeds that were then examined and documented through careful observational drawings and paintings. A highlight was a visit to the Annie Hughston Centre where the students looked at the seeds under a microscope, giving them an opportunity to explore the seeds with a whole new perspective.

Back in the classroom, seeds were planted into little pots as well as placed in clear plastic bags with a piece of damp paper towel and attached to a window. Within a week or so the students noticed changes; the seeds had begun to swell, split and shoot. This was very exciting, and the students were then given back their bags so that they could document what had happened. When the seeds had grown too big for the bags, they were planted in the garden for the students to continue to observe, wonder and document their growth over time.

We know that children’s connections with the natural world are critical if they are to grow the kind of ecological identity that will set them on the path to caring for our environment. Sustainability itself is nurtured within a context of care, for all living and non-living things. When children have the opportunity to encounter nature through everyday hands-on learning experiences, we know that care, connection and respect will flourish.

‘The plant is inside the seed, very tiny. It grows when you water it from the outside.’ Louis

‘It takes a long time for the seed to grow. The roots come out the bottom. I think plants need water to grow, and some sun.’ Amber

‘After they grow and grow, they will get bigger than everything. They will get lots of energy. Maybe they will grow some flowers and some leaves.’ Suhani

Karen Winderlich

ELC Teacher