Activity Introduction

Quick summary: This activity is designed to encourage children to grow their own vegetables and enjoy the fruits of their labour. Children will discover that the food you grow yourself can look very different to that which you buy at the supermarket and can also have a different flavour.

This activity is designed to help connect children to the wonders of the natural world through sensory and play-based learning.

EYLF Learning Outcome

Elaborations

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

3. Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment

Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

2. Children take increasing responsibility for their own health and physical wellbeing

Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners

1. Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity

2. Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, enquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

5. Children use information and communication technologies to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking

Equipment needed: A range of either home grown or organic vegetables and a similar selection from the supermarket e.g. carrots, tomatoes, herbs, pots or tubs (different depths and shapes) for growing some carrots, vegetable potting mix / soil; rulers or measuring tape; veggie seeds carrots, zucchini, beans.

Other resources:

Carrots Don’t Always Grow Straight! from Ian Henderson on Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/43598130

 

Cool Australia would like to acknowledge the support of the Seedlings Early Years Education for Sustainability (EYEfS) program.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Background Information

Content information for educators (also suitable for parents): Growing your own food is one of the biggest and most satisfying ways to increase the sustainability of your lifestyle. Gardening is great for physical and mental health and wellbeing. Growing your own food saves money, reduces your intake of harmful chemicals, and educates you as to where food comes from. Not to mention it tastes so much better!

Children can be fussy eaters, but often if they are involved in growing the food, they are more likely to eat it, and also to try new foods. Children are often unaware of where their food comes from, thinking it comes wrapped in plastic from the supermarket. It is important that they experience and appreciate where their food comes from, and what is required in order to grow it.

Home grown vegetables and fruit can look different from those found in the supermarket, different shapes, colours, textures and flavours. Exploring these attributes of home grown ve

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Student Worksheet

I wonder why these carrots look different?

carrot2Craigles75
Carrots1AmeliaCrook
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