Exploring the Outdoors: Our First Week at Sunflower Seedlings Preschool

Here is a look at the lesson plan for the first week of Sunflower Seedlings Preschool pilot program! Our first week will be February 3-7th.This week is all about introducing the outdoor classroom, building connections, and fostering a respect for nature. Through hands-on experiences, storytelling, and play, children will begin their journey of exploration at Beacon Food Forest.

Throughout the week, children will have time for free exploration, gardening, wildlife observation, and child-led discovery.

Monday: Welcome to the Outdoor Classroom

We begin the week by introducing the outdoor learning space, discussing boundaries, and setting expectations for respect and safety.

Highlights:

• Seedling Gathering: Singing our gathering song to build community.

• Exploring the Space: Children learn about the different features of our outdoor classroom and safety measures.

• Reflection: Each child shares something they found interesting.

• Story & Snack: Goatilocks and the Three Bears by Erica S. Pearl, paired with apple slices, sunflower butter, and mint tea.

• Small Group Activity: Coloring the Sunflower Safety Guide to reinforce classroom expectations through visuals.

• Lunch Time Story: What a Wonderful World by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele.

• Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.

Skill Development:

• Understanding safety rules through discussion and visual reinforcement.

• Developing vocabulary and comprehension by engaging with rules.

• Strengthening observation and awareness through safety exercises.

• Encouraging fine motor skills through coloring.

• Social and emotional growth by encouraging responsibility and cooperation.

Tuesday: Getting to Know Each Other

We introduce a fun, nature-inspired name game to help children learn each other’s names.

Highlights:

• Seedling Gathering: Singing our gathering song.

• Nature Name Game: Each child introduces themselves and their favorite nature element (e.g., "My name is ___, and I love ___!" with a matching movement).

• Snack & Story: The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel paired with carrots, cucumber slices, whole grain crackers, and hot cocoa.

• Small Group Activity: Using magnifying glasses to observe natures tiny details.

• Lunch Time Story: This Is Our House by Hyewon Yum.

• Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.

Skill Development:

• Encouraging curiosity and scientific thinking through close observation.

• Building vocabulary and descriptive language skills.

• Strengthening fine motor skills through handling magnifying glasses.

• Promoting patience and teamwork during shared discoveries.

Wednesday: Exploration Day!

Children will have the freedom to explore and share their curiosity about nature.

Highlights:

• Seedling Gathering: "What do you hope to discover today?" discussion.

• Snack & Story: Reach for the Stars by Emily Calandrelli, paired with yogurt, granola, and warm lemon honey water.

• Small Group Activity: Blowing bubbles to explore movement and breath control.

• Lunch Time Story: I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde.

• Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.

Skill Development:

• Developing gross motor skills by chasing and popping bubbles.

• Encouraging mindfulness and sensory awareness through gentle play.

Thursday: Appreciating Nature

Children reflect on their favorite parts of nature and discuss how we can care for the Earth.

Highlights:

• Seedling Gathering: Sharing thoughts on appreciating nature.

• Snack & Story: The Whole Wide World and Me by Toni Yuly, served with plain rice cakes, pumpkin seeds, and warm mint tea.

• Small Group Activity: Matching animals to their habitats.

• Lunch Time Story: Our Environment by Jennifer Waddle.

• Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.

Skill Development:

• Strengthening memory and categorization skills through matching games.

• Expanding environmental awareness and vocabulary.

• Encouraging teamwork and turn-taking.

Friday: Creating Our Nature Books

Each child begins a personal Nature Book to document their outdoor experiences.

Highlights:

• Seedling Gathering: Reflecting on the week by discussing, "What was your favorite thing you saw in nature today?"

• Snack & Story: Fox Makes Friends by Adam Relf, with oatmeal, blueberries, and warm spiced oat milk.

• Small Group Activity: Drawing in their Nature Books to document their favorite discoveries.

• Lunch Time Story: Tree by Britta Teckentrup.

• Seedling Send-Off: Packing up and singing our send-off song.

Skill Development:

• Enhancing memory and observational skills.

• Strengthening fine motor skills through drawing and writing.

• Encouraging storytelling and self-expression.

Looking Ahead

This first week lays the foundation for a year of curiosity, adventure, and nature connections. We can’t wait to see how our little Seedlings grow as they explore the world around them!

Stay tuned for next week’s adventures!