Lesson Plan, Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Lesson Plan , Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Theme: Leaf Vein Voyages , Mapping the Garden's Roads Weather: 63F, mist. Damp conditions continue. Indoor focus. Builds on: Yesterday's exploration of leaf anatomy using magnifying glasses. Today we focus on the veins within leaves, discussing their purpose as pathways for water and nutrients, like roads in a city.

Activities:

1. Leaf Rubbings & Mapping (Logan & Caleb - Split) * Logan: Collect several different leaves. Place leaves under paper and rub with crayons to reveal vein patterns. Discuss how the veins look like roads or rivers. Create a "map" of the leaf, labeling the main vein as the "highway" and smaller veins as "side streets." Measure the length of the main vein with a ruler or building blocks. * Caleb: Offer larger leaves and thicker crayons. Focus on the sensory experience of rubbing and the visual change. Simple exploration of textures and colors. * Materials: Leaves, paper, crayons, ruler/blocks. 2. Chlorophyll Exploration (Logan & Caleb - Split) * Logan: Tear a leaf into small pieces. Place in a jar with rubbing alcohol (adult supervision required). Observe over time as the alcohol turns green, demonstrating chlorophyll. Discuss how chlorophyll helps plants make food from sunlight. * Caleb: Observe the leaf pieces and the alcohol. Focus on color changes and simple descriptions ("green," "clear"). * Materials: Leaves, rubbing alcohol, jar, adult supervision. 3. Rain Jar Check-In & Stewardship (Logan & Caleb - Together) * Check the Rain Jar. Measure the collected water. Discuss how the rain provides water for the plants, traveling through the roots and up the veins in the leaves. Talk about caring for God's creation. * Materials: Rain Jar, measuring cup.

Passive Play Options: Leaf-themed puzzles, books about plants, building with blocks to create "plant cities."

Gospel Connection: Just as veins carry life-giving water to the leaves, Jesus is the source of life for us. He provides everything we need to grow and flourish. (John 15:5)

Memory Verse: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) Hand motions: Make a vine shape with arms, then branch out with fingers.

Carlton's Prep Checklist: * Evening Before: Gather leaves, rubbing alcohol, jars, crayons, paper, ruler/blocks. * Morning Of: Set up activity stations. Ensure adult supervision for rubbing alcohol activity.

Rachel's Teacher Notes: * Pacing: Allow ample time for observation and exploration. The chlorophyll experiment is a longer-term observation. * Caleb Strategy: Simplify activities for Caleb. Focus on sensory exploration and basic descriptions. Provide constant supervision. Redirect to safe materials if he attempts to ingest anything.