This week at Holly Bank nursery, we have been celebrating National Houseplant Week! Our Rooms have been full of tiny gardeners, busy hands, and lots of exciting discoveries. We would love to share some of the wonderful learning that has taken place.
🌱 Understanding the World
The children explored a variety of houseplants and talked about what plants need to grow. We learned that plants need:
- Water
- Sunlight
- Soil
- Care
The children helped water our plants and discussed why we must not give them too much or too little water. We also looked closely at roots and leaves, noticing different shapes, sizes, and textures.
🔎 Curiosity & Investigation
Using magnifying glasses, the children examined leaves and soil. They asked thoughtful questions such as:
- “Why are some leaves shiny?”
- “How do roots drink water?”
- “Why is this plant droopy?”
Over the coming weeks we will be planting our own spring bulbs and seeds we made predictions about what might happen next. This introduced early scientific thinking skills like observing change over time and predicting outcomes.
✋ Physical Development
Scooping soil, pouring water, and gently handling leaves helped to strengthen fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination. Carefully caring for living plants also encouraged control and precision. The babies have also enjoyed splashing in the flower-themed water tray and practising fine motor skills by sticking and removing pom poms from a giant flower. Older babies were introduced to colour names and encouraged to repeat them.
💬 Communication & Language
The children learned new vocabulary including:
- Stem
- Roots
- Soil
- Watering
- Healthy
We encouraged lots of discussion, storytelling, and describing what we could see, smell, and feel. Toddlers enjoyed Reading Jaspers beanstalk.
❤️ Personal, Social & Emotional Development
As we continue looking after our plants this helps the children understand responsibility and empathy. They learned that living things depend on us for care. The children were very proud to be “plant helpers”!
🌼 How You Can Extend the Learning at Home
- Let your child help water plants at home.
- Talk about what plants need to grow.
- Grow a simple herb or cress together on the windowsill.
- Visit a garden centre and explore different plant types.
We are so proud of the care and curiosity the children have shown this week. National Houseplant Week has helped us nurture not only plants, but also confidence, responsibility, and a love of the natural world.
Thank you for your continued support! 🌿
