At Oz Education Early Learning Centres, we believe children develop a deeper understanding of the world when they explore how things grow and change. On National Tree Day, our young learners engaged in a meaningful, hands-on gardening experience that introduced them to the lifecycle of plants and the importance of caring for the environment.
Hands-On Gardening in Our Centre
To begin the day, children gathered for a group literacy experience, reading the beloved book The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle. This story helped introduce key concepts around how plants grow and thrive.
Following the reading, children participated in an interactive group discussion, where they shared their knowledge and observations about plants. This collaborative conversation supported early language development and encouraged children to learn from one another.
Taking their learning outdoors, the children visited the centre garden to put their knowledge into practice.
Together, they:
- Selected a suitable spot for planting
- Dug and prepared the soil
- Explored the texture and dampness of the earth through sensory play
This hands-on experience allowed children to connect with nature while strengthening their understanding of science and sensory exploration.
Each child then took turns planting a variety of seeds, including:
- Flowers
- Herbs
- Fruits and vegetables
They carefully covered the seeds with soil and watered them, learning firsthand how to nurture living things.
Children’s Voices and Learning
Throughout the experience, educators captured children’s thoughts for their learning portfolios. Some of their reflections included:
- “You plant seeds in the soil.”
- “The sun helps the plant to grow.”
- “We feed the plants with water.”
These insights highlight how children are beginning to understand basic scientific concepts and the needs of living things.
This gardening project also introduced children to the importance of plants in maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment. Through their experiences, they began to understand how plants support life on Earth and why caring for nature matters.
Supporting Early Learning Through Gardening
“Gardening is a fun, interactive experience that we use to deliver many key learning areas in our Early Learning curriculum,” says Belinda Aliaga, Centre Director at Oz Education Homebush.
“It teaches children about the world they belong to and how to care for it. Over the coming weeks, our learners will observe how their plants grow, providing opportunities to explore science, literacy, and maths in a meaningful way.”
As the weeks progress, children will continue:
- Observing plant growth and changes
- Measuring and comparing progress
- Expanding vocabulary through descriptive language
- Strengthening numeracy skills through counting and tracking
Most importantly, they will enjoy spending time outdoors, working together, and developing a sense of responsibility for the environment.
Enquire Now or Call Us On 1300 088 520
Our friendly team is here to help with any questions you have about programs, enrolments and centre tours. Contact us on 1300 088 520 or submit an enquiry – we’re here to support your family.
