Reception plants and growth lesson – using senses to observe and look closely
This Reception plants and growth lesson focuses on using senses to explore the features of real plant leaves. Pupils look closely, smell and (if appropriate) taste a range of edible leaves, learning how scientists use their senses to understand the natural world.
Through hands-on activities such as leaf rubbings, salad drawings and smell tests, children describe how leaves differ in shape, texture, smell and colour. This helps them build descriptive language and observation skills linked to science enquiry.
Resources include:
- Interactive slides introducing sensory vocabulary and leaf types
- Leaf guessing and salad bowl challenges
- Templates for drawing and modelling different leaves
- Lesson plan with sensory tasks and continuous provision ideas
This is Lesson 4 in our EYFS science scheme of work for Reception. It supports early observation, language development and curiosity through sensory exploration of plants.
