Lesson Plan, Thursday, April 23, 2026

Theme: Understanding that growth, both in nature and in faith, requires nurturing and trust in God.

Weather: Austin TX, typical spring conditions. Outdoor-friendly.

Builds on: Foundational concept. A fresh start on the seeds and growth arc.

Gospel Connection. Just as a seed needs soil, water, and sunlight to grow, we need God’s love, His Word, and fellowship with other believers to grow in our faith. God provides everything we need to flourish; we simply need to trust Him and allow Him to work in our lives.

Memory Verse. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Hand motions: Make a fist and pump it upward for “I can do,” spread arms wide for “all things,” point to heart for “Christ,” and flex muscles for “strengthens me.”

Circle Time (15 minutes)

• Logan (Explorer). Discuss what plants need to grow. Brainstorm a list together. Introduce the idea that God provides these things.
• Caleb (Sprout). Show pictures of plants growing. Name the parts of the plant (root, stem, leaves). Simple repetition.
• Materials. Pictures of plants, paper, crayons.
• Rachel’s notes. Keep Caleb engaged with sensory exploration of a potted plant (supervised). Focus on naming and touching. Pacing: 5 minutes discussion, 5 minutes drawing, 5 minutes plant exploration.

Activity 1, Seed Planting (20 minutes)

• Logan. Plant bean seeds in clear plastic cups with soil. Observe and predict what will happen. Record observations in a “seed journal” (drawing pictures). Discuss how faith is like planting a seed, we don’t see immediate results, but we trust God will make it grow.
• Caleb. Explore soil with hands. Plant a single bean seed with assistance. Focus on the sensory experience of touching the soil and the seed.
• Materials. Bean seeds, clear plastic cups, potting soil, water, small shovels or spoons, paper, crayons.
• Carlton’s prep. Soak bean seeds overnight. Prepare soil and cups.
• Rachel’s notes. Caleb will likely attempt to eat the soil. Redirect with a different sensory experience (water play). Logan can be encouraged to write simple labels for his journal.

Activity 2, Water & Light Experiment (15 minutes)

• Logan. Place one planted seed in a dark cupboard and one in a sunny window. Water both equally. Predict which will grow better and why. Relate this to needing God’s light (His Word) in our lives.
• Caleb. Water a single plant with assistance. Observe the water going into the soil.
• Materials. Planted seeds from Activity 1, cupboard, sunny window, watering can.
• Carlton’s prep. Ensure cupboard is accessible and safe.
• Rachel’s notes. This activity requires close supervision. Caleb’s participation will be brief. Focus on the action of watering.

Passive Play and Transition Options

• Nature-themed music.
• Books about plants and gardens.
• Building with blocks to create “gardens.”

Closing (5 minutes)

• Review what plants need to grow. Connect this to what we need to grow in faith.
• Recite the memory verse with hand motions.
• Carlton’s prep. Have memory verse visual aid ready.