Presentation

  1. 1

    Show the whole flower and name the stem and the petals.

  2. 2

    Gently fold back the petals and point to the green sepals underneath: 'These are sepals. They protected the flower bud.'

  3. 3

    Point to the stamens: 'These make pollen.'

  4. 4

    Point to the center: 'This is the pistil. Seeds grow here.'

  5. 5

    Remove one of each part and lay them in a row on the tray, naming each.

  6. 6

    Bring the flower puzzle. Remove, trace, and name each piece, and give a three-period lesson.

  7. 7

    Invite the child to take apart another flower.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Match three-part cards
  2. Glue flower parts onto paper and label them
  3. Watch a bee or other pollinator in the school garden and talk about pollen
  4. Read definition cards

Control of error

The puzzle pieces fit only in their own space; control cards show each part with its label.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Names four parts on a real flower
  • Completes the flower puzzle
  • Says that seeds grow in the flower

Guide note

Lily pollen stains clothing and is toxic to cats; remove anthers before use or use tulips. Check for pollen allergies.

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.