Published May 1, 2026 Written by Rebecca Smith

Early years activity: Gardening Week – Supporting Communication and Language

Gardening week is a wonderful opportunity to support children’s communication and language as they take part in a range of sensory activities in both the natural outdoor environment and indoor environments.

Learning aims

Develop vocabulary
Provide a narrative for what they are doing
Sequence events
Listen to and follow instructions
Work together to achieve aims.

Resources

Gardening story book, such as, ‘Sam Plants a Sunflower’
Packets of seeds
Small pots or containers
Soil
Water and watering jug/can
Labels and pens.

Activity outline

Read a story to the children about planting seeds or growing things in a garden
Talk to the children about the sequence of events, from planting seeds to growing flowers or vegetables
Encourage children to share their own experiences of growing seeds and plants, and spending time in a garden or an allotment
Talk about plants that can be grown indoors, or plants that can be grown in small spaces, such as on balconies
Show the children the packets of seeds, look at and describe the different sizes and features of the different seeds
Talk through the process for planting the seeds
Invite children to choose which seed/s they wish to plant
Provide the resources and talk through the process (with reminders from the story)
Give reminders, for example, poking a hole with a finger for the seed, giving plenty of water to help the seed grow
Label the seed pots with the name of the seeds
Talk to the children about where you can plant your seeds once they grow – this may be a community garden space, in your own setting, or in pots to take home
Take photos of the stages of seed growth to create a visual sequencing display of the growth cycle.

Extension ideas

Create a small flower garden, either in pots or in a section of your outdoor space. Encourage children to take responsibility for the plants, with daily volunteers.

NDNA products to support you with this activity

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Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.

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