Seed identification

LESSON 4

Children identify seeds and practice naming them in an engaging game.

  • Seeds collected on nature walk in lesson 3.

  • Bag to hold seeds for seed identification game.

Optional:

  • Books about trees and their seeds (check local library).

  • Trees of North America book 

  • Trees and Leaves book

  • Wooden sorting tray 

Materials

  • Gather materials for the lesson

Preparations

An open book with botanical illustrations.
  • Initiate the seed sorting activity with the children.

  • Provide assistance and guidance for using books or online resources to identify unfamiliar seeds.

  • Encourage older children to practice writing by creating a seed identification list.

  • Introduce and guide the seed naming game.

  • Assist in documenting children's seed artwork, either through photography or gluing seeds on paper.

Objectives for Teachers

  • Children sort seeds into groups or trays.

  • Children practice identifying different types of seeds, using books or online resources.

  • Children participate in a seed naming game, taking turns picking seeds and identifying them.

  • Children express creativity by arranging seeds to create unique artwork.

  • Children document artwork through photos or gluing seeds on paper.

Objectives for Children

  • Play ‘I spy’ together.

  • Come up with actions and practice saying it together.

Collect and Connect

Growing

Inside the seed, 

All bundled up tight

A tiny plant grows,

Needing water and light,

I’ll plant it in soil,

Let it catch the sun's glow, 

Then water it gently, 

And watch the plant grow.

Activity Flow

  1. Seed Sorting and Identification: Begin by working with your child to sort the seeds, placing them into a tray or creating piles. Use books, and online resources to help identify unfamiliar seeds. We used books we had on hand and from our local library. If able, encourage older children to practice writing by making a list of the identified seeds.

  2. Seed naming game: A fun way to practice new knowledge is by playing games. Play the seed naming game by selecting around 5-10 identified seeds and placing them in a bag. Take turns closing your eyes, picking a seed, and naming it. Play the game multiple times to ensure both you and your child have opportunities to select different seeds and practice naming them.

  3. Seed art creation: After playing the game, transition to using the seeds for an artistic activity. Allow your child to create artwork, giving them the freedom to arrange seeds in various ways. Capture photos of their artwork or glue the seed arrangements onto paper. Ask your child what seeds they used to create their photo for another meaningful opportunity to practice naming the seeds. 

A wooden container filled with seeds and two books laid out on a table.
A closeup of a wooden container filled with seeds from nature.