Back in the classroom, the PreKers immersed themselves in discussions inspired by their observations. Working together, they created charts and lists to compare the garden's seasonal transformations. These eager students wanted to contribute to the garden's growth, so they studied the magic of life contained within a tiny seed. Their curiosity and excitement fueled their learning. They selected bean seeds to nurture and tend and created the perfect environment for their seeds to flourish. Soon they began to understand the balance required to support life's earliest stages. Learning was sneaking up on these young learners through their inquisitiveness and enthusiasm.
Their garden bloomed before their eyes, and so did the students’ understanding of its vibrant ecosystem. They spotted worms, bugs, and insects, learning about their roles in the garden's delicate balance. Determined to protect their bean plants, they discovered the ladybug's appetite for aphids, making the bug the students’ answer to pest control. They began to raise ladybugs in their classroom. Ladybugs serve as invaluable allies in the garden, acting as natural partners that contribute to its health and vitality. These creatures, hailed as symbols of luck by many, play a pivotal role in maintaining a flourishing garden ecosystem.
While observing the life cycle of their red-spotted friends, the PreK students engaged in creative art activities, read books, held discussions, and conducted research. They added painted ladybug rocks, a custom sign, and stepping stones to their PreK garden plot. For the culminating activity of their play-based Learning journey, on the last day of school they released their ladybugs into the garden, where they would play an important role in its continued growth and health.