Garden Growth Slides
Garden Growth
Moving Up and Down
Simon Says!
UP
DOWN
Listen for Simon's voice!
Reach for the clouds or touch your toes!
Watch & Chant
Embedded media
At 0:25 chant:
"Down, Down, Down!"
At 0:35 chant:
"Up, Up, Up!"
The Growing Dance
1
The Seed
Curl up small like a tiny rock.
2
The Roots
Stretch your legs DOWN deep.
3
The Stem
Reach your hands UP to the sky.
4
The Leaves
Open wide to catch the sun!
Time to Draw!
UP to the Sun
DOWN in the Dirt
Get your drawing paper and crayons ready!
Garden Growth Teacher Guide
Garden Growth
Teacher Facilitation Guide
PRE-K Movement & Vocab
Objective
Students use movement and vocabulary to demonstrate directional growth: Down (roots) and Up (stems).
Timing
- Warm-up: 5 mins
- Video: 3 mins
- Dance: 15 mins
- Closure: 10 mins
Materials
- • Garden Growth Slides
- • Instrumentals/Soft Music
- • Sky & Soil Drawing Sheets
- • Crayons (Brown & Green)
1
Warm-up: Simon Says (5 min)
Focus exclusively on directional movement. Start slowly, then speed up!
"Simon says... reach UP to the clouds!"
"Simon says... reach DOWN to your toes!"
"Reach UP! (Oh! Simon didn't say!)"
2
Interactive Video Viewing
Chant Prompts:
0:25 ROOTS
"Down, down, down!"
0:35 SHOOT
"Up, up, up!"
Pause & Ask Questions:
- 0:15 Needs: "What two things does this seed need to wake up?" (Water & Warmth)
- 0:25 Function: "Why do roots grow down? What's their job?" (Hold the plant/Anchoring)
3
The Growing Dance (15 min)
Play soft instrumental music. Model these movements with energy:
1. The Seed
Curl up into a ball on the floor. Be very still.
2. The Roots
While sitting, push your feet and legs out DOWN.
3. The Stem
Slowly stand up and reach fingers high UP.
4. The Leaves
Wiggle your fingers like leaves catching the light.
4
Drawing & Reflection
"Now, we are going to be artists! Grab your brown crayon for the roots and your green crayon for the stem."
Check for Understanding:
As you circulate, ask individual students: "Where do the roots go?" (Down!) "Where does the plant reach for the sun?" (Up!)
Growth Dance Music Card
Dance Music Dashboard
"The Growing Dance" Facilitator Card
Now Ready to Play:
Instrumental Nature Mix
01
The Tiny Seed
Movement: Small ball on floor
02
Roots Grow Down
Movement: Stretch legs/feet DOWN
03
Stem Reaches Up
Movement: Slow stand, reach UP
04
Leaves Catch Sun
Movement: Hands open wide
Teacher Tip
Use this card to time your transitions with the music!