If your child has not had the opportunity to grow a plant from a seed, try this activity. This pot we are making is intended to be a house for the seed that has now grown into a plant. Technically, you don’t need this because you can decorate any flowerpot. But it has so much more meaning if they get to make this little pot for the plant, that they got to nurture from the time it was a seed.
Best Ages for This Activity
Two to five
How to Make It
You Will Need
- A plant pot (terracotta is good as it is easier for them to paint) – you can find very inexpensive pots at the dollar store or even Walmart too
- Tempera paint of any colors your child would like. You don’t need many colors, just the ones your child likes. You can also use acrylic paint
- Metallic paint if your child likes
- Paintbrushes
Let’s Get Started!
- Have a conversation with your child about their plant – how much it grew, how much they think it will keep growing, what it needs as food now, etc.
- You can also watch the video below that explains the process of how plants grow (or watch it again, now that their plant grew, to see what their plant needs next):
- Ask your child if they would like to make a permanent home for their plant. If yes, invite them to decorate that home.
- Your child will have plenty of ideas, so you don’t need inspiration for this one. If you’d like to try and paint one too, here are some ideas:
Learning Opportunities
This is a really nice art project, where your child can express their creativity. You can practice math by talking about the patterns they paint on their pot (if they do), the colors they use, the shapes, etc. It is also a great way for your child to express empathy and to contribute, because they are making a house for the plant they grew, learning what it needs in order to keep growing, and taking care of it. It really adds meaning to this project.
Although it is not the main objective of the activity, painting is also a great fine motor skill which helps your child learn to write. If your child is too young to use a paintbrush, let them paint with their fingers, a sponge, or even their hands. Very young children can benefit from the sensory activity this provides. Just make sure you use non-toxic paint.
Extended Learning Opportunities
- Try making different pots, and go back to growing seeds: what other seed can you try growing now?
- Play classical music during this activity
- Invite each member of the family (grandparents, aunts and uncles if you’d like!) to paint a pot. Then decorate your child’s room with the pots painted by the people they love most.
- Help your child plant their new plant once the pot is dry (the home is ready!)
- From there, introduce your child to gardening and help them plant some fruits (raspberries are easy) and veggies (carrots are amazing to watch), or flowers.
- Read books about children who garden, composting or worms, bees or ladybugs and how they help in the garden (some ideas below).
CEFA tip: Remember to let your child do as much of the process as they are capable of.
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