PL T3.04Watering a Plant
The child pours a small, pre-measured amount of water from a small watering can onto the soil of one plant.
Safety
- Every plant in the room is checked against a poison control center's list of non-toxic plants before it is placed within children's reach.
- The adult fills the can to a small line so the child is never carrying or near a large volume of water.
Presentation
- 1
Fill the can with water to the marked line. Carry it to the plant with the child.
- 2
Press one finger into the soil and say, 'Dry. The plant needs water.' Invite the child to touch the soil.
- 3
Hold the handle, put the tip of the spout close to the soil, and tip the can slowly. Stop when the can is empty. Watching the water go into the soil is the point of interest.
- 4
Refill the can to the line and hand it to the child. Wait while they pour.
- 5
Wipe any drips on the floor or saucer with the cloth. Carry the empty can back to its place.
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Fill the can to the line at a low sink
- Water two or three plants in turn, one can each
- Check the soil with a finger first and water only if it is dry
- Water plants in the outdoor garden with a larger can
Control of error
Water on the leaves, saucer rim, or floor shows the spout was not near the soil; water running over the saucer shows the plant got too much.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Pours with the spout aimed at the soil
- Stops at the end of one can without prompting
- Wipes drips on the floor with a cloth
Guide note
Toddlers often ask to water plants many times a day. A pre-measured line, and one plant that tolerates frequent water (or a tray of cress or grass seedlings), keeps the plant alive. At home, a plant for the child's own care works the same way.