LIFE CYCLES

We just wrapped our unit on Plant Life Cycles. We learned that a plant's life cycle describes how long a plant lives or how long it takes to grow, flower, and set seed. While plant life cycles are continuous, the study of a plant life cycle begins with the seed. (Though we introduced the seed as a plant part that can grow into a new plant, it is important that children understand that plants can also grow from cuttings, bulbs, tuber pieces, or runners.) Some seeds have an outer layer called a seed coat, which provides protection and nourishment for the baby plant inside. When a seed germinates, a small root begins to grow downward and a shoot grows upward. When the shoot breaks the surface, the plant is called a sprout. The sprout uses water and nutrients from the soil along with sunlight and air to grow and change into a seedling. It's been a joy to watch your children learn about plants. I was amazed by their excitement when we planted the lima bean seeds and watched them sprout! How wonderful to find joy in the simple yet profound gifts of nature. May we always be amazed!