Bloom On Slides Our Growing Garden
Reflecting on Our Year Together
Memory Lane
Think back to the very first day of school...
How did you feel then?
What is something you learned how to do?
What is "Moving Up"?
Just like plants in a garden, we are always growing!
"Moving Up" means going to a new classroom with new things to learn.
"I have grown so much this year!"
Big Feelings
Excited
Ready for new friends and new toys!
Nervous
Not sure what the new room will be like.
Sad
Missing our teacher and our current room.
"It is okay to feel many things at once!" 🌟
Time for a Story!
Listen closely to the story of
"Last Day Blues"
Teacher: See "Last Day Blues Guide"
My Growing Garden
Now it's your turn! Draw your Favorite Memory and your New Garden hope.
Crayons and pencils ready!
Use the Garden Memory worksheet
Our Closing Circle
"I am growing taller..."
Take a deep breath.
We will always have our memories in our hearts.
Sprout Story Script The Little Sprout's New Pot
Read-Aloud Script
Read slowly with expression. Pause at the blue boxes to ask students questions.
Part 1: The Small Blue Pot
Once upon a time, in a bright classroom, there lived a Little Sprout in a small, cozy Blue Pot. The Blue Pot was perfect. It had soft soil and a great view of the classroom fish tank. Little Sprout loved the Blue Pot! It was where they met their best friend, a plastic dinosaur named Rex who sat on the windowsill.
Ask: How do you think Little Sprout feels about their Blue Pot? What do you love about our classroom?
Part 2: The Big News
One day, the Gardener said, "Little Sprout, you are getting so big! Tomorrow, you will move to the Big Green Garden." Little Sprout’s leaves drooped. Move? To the Big Garden? But the Garden was huge, and Rex wouldn't be there! Little Sprout felt a wiggle in their stems. They felt nervous . They felt a little sad .
Ask: Why is Little Sprout feeling sad? Have you ever felt a "wiggle in your stem" (felt nervous) about a change?
Part 3: Wisdom from the Oak
An Old Oak Tree whispered, "Little Sprout, do not be afraid. Every big tree was once a sprout. In the Big Green Garden, you can grow tall enough to touch the clouds! You can keep the memory of the Blue Pot in your heart like a tiny seed. But look! The Big Garden has new friends like Honeybees and Butterflies!"
Part 4: The Transition
The next morning, the Gardener moved Little Sprout. At first, the soil felt different and the sun felt brighter. But then, a Sunflower waved hello! A Ladybug landed on Little Sprout’s leaf. The Gardener even gave them a new friend—a shiny red stone. Little Sprout took a deep breath and smiled. They were still Little Sprout, just in a bigger place to grow.
Ask: What are some "new friends" you might meet next year?
Class Reflection
Why was it important for Little Sprout to move, even if they were scared?
How are we like Little Sprout today?
How can we keep our classroom "memories" with us next year?
Garden Memories Worksheet My Growing Garden
Reflection Activity
Name:
Date:
My Favorite Memory
Draw one thing you loved doing this year.
Writing line:
My New Garden
Draw one thing you want to do next year.
Feeling Garden Cards Garden Feelings Cards
Cut these out and glue them to popsicle sticks. Use them to show how you feel during our story!
Excited
Sad
Nervous
Proud
Teacher Tip: Encourage students to hold up the card that matches how the Little Sprout feels at different parts of the story!
Garden Pacing Guide Garden Transition Guide
Pacing & Facilitation Instructions
35-40 Minutes
Objective
Normalize emotions and reflect on growth through story and art.
Materials
Bloom On Slides
Last Day Blues (or Sprout Script)
Theme
Growth requires change. Mixed feelings are normal.
Time Activity Key Actions 0-5m Memory Lane Review the first day vs. now. Highlight personal growth. 5-10m Moving Up Define the change. Use Feelings Cards to label emotions. 10-22m The Story Read Last Day Blues using the Guide. Pause for talk. 22-35m Reflection Students draw a favorite memory and a future hope. 35-40m Closing End with a physical "self-hug" and shared hope.
Primary Story Option
Last Day Blues by Julie Danneberg
Recommended for this lesson to address the sadness of leaving teachers and current classrooms.
Emotional Support
"We can be 100% sad to leave AND 100% excited to grow. Both fit in our hearts!"
Teacher Prep
Use the Last Day Blues Guide for specific pausing points and card prompts.
Last Day Blues Guide "Last Day Blues" Discussion Guide
Teacher Support
Use this guide with "Last Day Blues" . This segment should last 12-15 minutes .
Step 1: Before Reading
Show the cover. "The students look like they are planning something secret! What do you think they are making?"
Look at the expressions on the children's faces. How do they feel?
"Blues" means feeling a little bit sad because we miss something.
Step 2: The Worry
The students are worried Mrs. Hartwell will be lonely. "They want to make sure she knows they love her!"
Card Activity: "Hold up your Nervous card if you have ever worried about what happens at school when you aren't here. Now hold up your Proud card!"
Step 3: Illustration Hunt
"Look at all the classroom items being packed up. The posters, the supplies, the projects..."
Spot the Memory: Can you see something in the book's classroom that we also have in ours?The Gift: Why was making a gift a good way for the students to handle their "blues"?
Step 4: The Big Reveal
The end reveals the teachers celebrating! They love summer, too.
Teacher Connection: "Even though I will miss you so much, I am also excited for you to grow. Just like in the book, we can be sad to say goodbye AND happy to grow!"
Transition to Reflection
Discussion Prompt
"The students remembered their best days. What was YOUR favorite part of our class this year?"
Activity Launch
"We are going to make our own 'Memory Posters' on our worksheets now. Get your crayons ready!"
