Dandelion Exploration

LESSON 1

Children explore dandelions outdoors, engaging their senses and fostering creativity through open-ended play.  

  • Bucket or bowl to collect dandelions  

Optional

  • Scoops

  • Spoons

  • Strainer

  • Bowls

  • Muffin tins 

  • Mud kitchen

  • Water table

Materials

  • Gather materials for your choice of dandelion exploration activities.

  • Find a nearby location to gather dandelions, being mindful to choose areas where foraging is permitted. 

Preparations

  • Guide children in observing their surroundings to find dandelions.

  • Facilitate sensory activities allowing children to explore dandelions' appearance, texture, and scent.

  • Encourage questioning and investigation about dandelions to nurture curiosity and inquiry skills.

  • Provide opportunities for fine motor skill development through handling and manipulating dandelions.

  • Support creative expression by offering diverse activities for imaginative interaction with dandelions. 

Objectives for Teachers

Objectives for Children

  • Children practice observation skills as they search for dandelions.

  • Children engage their senses to explore the physical characteristics of dandelions.

  • Children develop curiosity and investigative skills as they inquire about dandelions.

  • Children enhance their fine motor skills through activities such as picking, handling, and manipulating dandelions during play.

  • Children foster creativity and imagination as they experiment with various ways to interact with dandelions. 

Collect and Connect

Create actions and practice saying the poem “Dandelion” together.

Dandelion

Dandelion fluff, 

Floats on a breeze. 

Tickles my nose, 

And makes me sneeze. 

 

Some see a wish, 

Some see a seed, 

Some see a medicine, 

For those in need.

Activity Flow

  1. Begin this lesson by asking your child what they know about dandelions. Allow them to share, and then introduce the activity for today. Tell your child that they will be heading outside to find dandelions to collect and play with.

  2. Prompt your child to think about places nearby where dandelions might be found. Then, head outside to hunt for dandelions. Bring a small bucket or bowl for collecting as you explore your yard, neighborhood or local park. Encourage your child to use their senses while gathering. Ask questions like: What do they look like? How do they feel? What do they smell like? This is a great opportunity for your child to see where dandelions come from and how they grow.

  3. Head back home with collected dandelions and transition into exploration and creative play. Set up designated areas for different activities. Allow children time for exploration and creation in their chosen activities. Offer guidance and encouragement as needed.

  4. Here are some ideas for play: 

  • Mud Kitchen Play: Use fun prop items like pots, pans, muffin tins, pie tins, measuring scoops, etc. for imaginative mud and dandelion creations.

  • Dandelion Water Table: Create a sensory water experience with dandelions and assorted water play materials like scoops, bowls, strainers, etc. We had the unique experience of fostering baby ducks during our dandelion play. We learned ducklings love to eat dandelion petals.

  • Nature Art with Dandelions: Use natural or recycled materials to craft unique artwork incorporating dandelions. 

5. Conclude the lesson by inviting children to reflect on their dandelion discoveries and share their favorite experiences. Encourage them to express their thoughts and feelings about the day's exploration.