What Living Things Need to Grow

Preschoolers have a natural curiosity about themselves and the world around them. Help them understand what living things need to grow.

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Tools and Materials

None needed

Steps to take

Use the environment around you to talk about growing and what living things need- the food you eat; the birds outside; the trees; your pet or a neighbor's dog or cat.

At Home

If you have 3 minutes

  • Talk with your child about what your household pets need. Have them feed, water and care for the pet.
  • Ask your child what they need to grow. "What does a baby need to grow?", "What does an older child need to grow?" Have your child pretend to be the parent and take care of you. Discuss what you need.
  • Label your child's height on a growth chart over time and discuss growth after doctor's visits . Discuss how your child's height and weight have changed. Take photos of your child, compare photos and point out how your child has changed.
  • Pretend play doctor with your child. Have your child play the doctor and listen to your heart beating. "Ask your child if trees have hearts?", "Do animals have hearts?"
  • Talk about exercise with your child. Why do we exercise? Explore new means of exercise with your child.
     

On the Go

If you have 3 minutes   

  • Go to the library and find books on specific animals that your child is interested in.

If you have more time

  • Cut out pictures in magazines of animals that live in the water, land, fly, and other categories.
  • As the seasons change, talk about the changes in certain trees. "Why are their leaves falling?"
  • Have your child plan a healthy meal for your family.
  • If possible, observe a caterpillar and the changes it goes through. Have your child draw/write about what they see.
     

Words to Know

Living    Healthy    Growth    Compare    Seasons    Parts of flowers    Parts of trees    Parts of insects

Possible Observations

Cares for a pet or plant; names insects and plants; names parts of a plant or insects; observes how living things grow; names healthy foods; explores his or her growth and needs for growing; compares growing needs of a child and plants