Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Before this lesson, ensure you have a small, complete plant (with roots, stem, leaves, and ideally a flower or fruit) for pupils to observe directly. The central idea is for pupils to actively identify and name the basic parts of a plant through hands-on observation and simple descriptions. Successful learning will be evident when pupils can point to and mention the different parts of a plant.
Class: Pre-School Level 3
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 4 years
Duration: 30 minutes
Subject: Basic Science and Technology
Curriculum Theme: Basic Science and Technology
Previous Lesson: Introduction to Plants
Topic: Plants Observing Parts of a Plant
Subject Matter: Observing parts of a plant.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Identify the main parts of a plant (root, stem, leaf, flower, fruit).
- Mention the names of the different parts of a plant.
- Describe in simple terms what each part of a plant does.
Affective Domain
- Show interest in observing plants around them.
- Appreciate the different parts of a plant.
Psychomotor Domain
- Point to the different parts of a real plant or a picture of a plant.
- Draw a simple plant showing some of its parts.
Social Domain
- Participate actively in group observation activities.
- Take turns identifying plant parts.
Reference Materials
- NAPPS National Unified Teaching Scheme for Pre-School Level 3.
- Relevant Early Childhood Care and Education resources.
Instructional Materials
- A small, complete plant (e.g., a bean plant, a small flowering plant) with visible roots, stem, leaves, and ideally a flower or fruit.
- Large pictures/charts of different plants showing their parts clearly.
- Crayons and drawing paper.
- Video player/tablet with a suitable educational video.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps 4-year-olds understand the basic structure of plants, which are living things all around them. By observing and identifying plant parts, pupils develop their observation skills and begin to appreciate how plants grow and survive, connecting science to their everyday environment.Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils can identify some common plants and trees around them. They know that plants are living things and need water and sunlight to grow.Lesson Content/Board Summary
PLANTS: Observing Parts of a Plant
Plants are living things that grow from the soil. They have different parts that help them live and grow.
Main Parts of a Plant:
- Root: This part grows under the ground. It holds the plant firmly in the soil and takes in water and food for the plant.
- Stem: This part grows above the ground. It holds the plant up straight and carries water and food to all other parts.
- Leaf: These are usually green and flat. They make food for the plant using sunlight.
- Flower: This is often the colourful and beautiful part of the plant. Flowers make seeds or fruits.
- Fruit: This part grows from the flower and often contains seeds. We eat many fruits.
Key Words
- Root – The part of a plant that grows under the ground.
- Stem – The part of a plant that grows above the ground and holds it up.
- Leaf – The green part of a plant that makes food.
- Flower – The colourful part of a plant that makes seeds or fruits.
- Fruit – The part of a plant that grows from a flower and often has seeds inside.
Our Plant Parts Song
Tune: “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star”
Roots go down, deep in the ground,
Hold the plant, so safe and sound.
Stem stands tall, reaching high,
Water flows, up to the sky.
Leaves are green, making food,
Helping plants, for our good.
Flowers bloom, so pretty and bright,
Fruits grow sweet, a yummy delight!
Actions:
- Roots go down: Point fingers downwards.
- Hold the plant: Make fists and hold them together.
- Stem stands tall: Stand up straight and stretch arms upwards.
- Water flows: Wiggle fingers upwards.
- Leaves are green: Wiggle hands like leaves.
- Making food: Rub tummy.
- Flowers bloom: Open hands like a blooming flower.
- Fruits grow sweet: Make a circle with hands, then rub tummy.
Watch and Learn About Plant Parts
💡 Teacher Guide for Using This Board Summary
How to teach the content: Begin by showing the actual plant. Point to each part as you mention its name and give a very simple explanation of its function. Use the pictures/charts to reinforce the concepts. Repeat the names of the parts clearly and slowly, encouraging pupils to repeat after you.
What to show or demonstrate: Hold up the real plant and physically point to the root (if visible or gently pull up a small plant from a pot), stem, leaves, and any flower/fruit. Use the large pictures to show different types of plants and their parts. Emphasize that all plants have these basic parts.
How to use the rhyme/song: Introduce the “Our Plant Parts Song” after explaining the parts. Sing it slowly with the pupils, demonstrating the actions for each line. Repeat the song several times, encouraging pupils to join in the singing and actions. This helps reinforce the vocabulary and concepts in a fun way.
How to use the video: Introduce the video as a fun way to see plant parts. Play the video “Parts of a Plant for Kids | Learn about plants | Educational Video for Kids” (Kids Academy – Official). After watching, ask pupils to recall some of the parts they saw and what they learned. Encourage them to point to parts on the real plant or chart that were shown in the video.
What to watch for: Observe if pupils can correctly identify and name at least three main parts of the plant. Look for active participation during the song and video. Correct any misconceptions gently by re-pointing to the correct part on the plant or chart.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Play-based Learning, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Songs and Rhymes, Picture Talk, Question and Answer, Manipulation of Objects, Repetition, Practical Activity.Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets pupils and starts with a simple “Hello, Plants!” song or asks, “What are these green things we see growing outside?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to greetings and share their ideas about plants.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and recall prior knowledge about plants.
Step 2: Introducing the Plant and its Parts
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Naming
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher brings out a real plant and says, “Look at this beautiful plant! Just like us, plants have different parts that do different jobs.” The teacher then points to the root (if visible or demonstrated) and stem, naming them clearly.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the real plant and listen as the teacher names the root and stem. They repeat the names.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and name the root and stem of a plant.
Step 3: Exploring Leaves and Flowers
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Observation/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher points to the leaves and any flowers on the plant. “These are the leaves, they are usually green. And this colourful part is the flower!” The teacher briefly explains their simple functions (leaves make food, flowers make seeds/fruits).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils touch and observe the leaves and flowers, repeating their names and simple descriptions.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and describe leaves and flowers.
Step 4: Discovering Fruits (if applicable)
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Identification/Association
Teacher’s Activity: If the plant has a fruit, the teacher points to it. If not, the teacher uses a picture of a plant with fruit, explaining, “After the flower, sometimes a fruit grows, and many fruits have seeds inside!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the fruit (real or in picture) and associate it with the plant.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that plants can produce fruits.
Step 5: Reinforcement with Song and Pictures
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Repetition/Engagement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils in singing the “Our Plant Parts Song” with actions. The teacher also shows large pictures of different plants, asking pupils to point to the parts they have learned.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils sing the song with actions and point to plant parts in the pictures.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their knowledge of plant parts through song and visual aids.
Step 6: Video Learning and Discussion
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Learning/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher plays the educational video on “Parts of a Plant for Kids.” After the video, the teacher asks simple questions like, “What part grows under the ground?” or “What part is colourful?”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils watch the video and answer questions, pointing to the parts on the real plant or chart.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding through a dynamic visual aid and oral recall.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher checks pupils’ understanding through short questions and practical tasks.
- “Point to the root of this plant.”
- “What is this part called?” (pointing to a leaf)
- “Can you tell me one thing the stem does?”
- “Draw a simple plant and try to show its leaves.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally and demonstrate the required skill where appropriate.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher praises pupils for their participation and reminds them that plants are important living things with different parts that help them grow. “Remember to look at plants carefully when you see them!”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and tidy up their materials.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance of plants and recall the main idea of the lesson.
Lesson Keywords
- Plant – A living thing that grows from the ground.
- Root – The part of a plant that is usually under the ground and takes in water.
- Stem – The part of a plant that holds it up and carries water.
- Leaf – The green part of a plant that makes food.
- Flower – The colourful part of a plant.
- Fruit – The part of a plant that often has seeds inside.
Differentiation
- Support: For pupils who are struggling, provide larger pictures with fewer details. Use hand-over-hand guidance to help them point to the parts on the real plant. Focus on identifying just two or three main parts (e.g., stem, leaf) and repeat their names frequently.
- Extension: For pupils who grasp the concept quickly, encourage them to name more parts or describe a simple function for each part. Ask them to identify parts of different plants shown in pictures or found outside the classroom. They can also draw a plant and label the parts with help.
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