### Nature Study Lesson Plan: Common Plants II
**Grade Level:** Toddlers (Ages 2-3)
**Subject:** Nature Study
**Duration:** 30 Minutes
**Objective:**
- Introduce toddlers to common plants found in their local environment.
- Foster curiosity and appreciation for nature.
**Materials Needed:**
- Pictures of local plants (laminated for durability)
- Fresh samples of leaves, twigs, flowers, etc.
- A magnifying glass (plastic, toddler-friendly)
- Plant-themed storybook
- Simple plant-related coloring sheets and crayons
- Small plant pots, soil, and easy-to-grow seeds (e.g., beans, sunflowers)
- Child-safe watering cans and spray bottles
**Activity Outline:**
### Introduction (5 minutes)
1. **Gather Children**:
- Sing a welcome song to gather toddlers and get their attention.
- Introduce today’s theme: Common Plants II.
2. **Show and Tell**:
- Briefly show pictures of common plants and fresh samples.
- Encourage children to repeat the names of the plants after you.
### Story Time (5 minutes)
1. **Read Aloud**:
- Read a short plant-themed storybook. Use expressive voices and show the pictures to keep them engaged.
- Ask simple questions about the pictures to foster interaction.
### Guided Exploration (10 minutes)
1. **Nature Walk in the Classroom/Garden**:
- If indoors, create a mini garden area using plant samples.
- If outdoors, go on a short walk around a safe garden or yard. Point out the different plants and let children touch and observe.
- Use a magnifying glass to let toddlers look closely at leaves and flowers.
2. **Hands-On Planting**:
- Show toddlers how to plant seeds in small pots.
- Let them dig in the soil, place the seeds, and cover them back up.
- Demonstrate watering and let each child have a turn with a small spray bottle.
### Art and Craft (5 minutes)
1. **Coloring Activity**:
- Distribute plant-themed coloring sheets and crayons.
- Encourage toddlers to color the plant pictures while talking about the different parts (leaves, stem, flower).
### Closing (5 minutes)
1. **Recap and Reinforcement**:
- Gather children in a circle and briefly recap what they have learned.
- Ask simple questions like, “What colors are the flowers?” or “Can you show me what the leaves look like?”
2. **Goodbye Song and Stickers**:
- Sing a goodbye song to end the session.
- Give each child a plant or nature-themed sticker as a take-home reminder of the lesson.
**Assessment:**
- Observe participation and interest shown by toddlers.
- Take note of their ability to recognize different plants and parts of the plant.
- Encourage and praise curiosity and engagement throughout the session.
### Follow-Up Activities:
- Encourage parents to take toddlers on a mini nature walk and look for the plants discussed.
- Provide a list of easy, plant-related activities for home engagement.
By the end of the lesson, toddlers should have a basic understanding of common plants, an enhanced interest in nature, and some foundational skills in planting and caring for plants.