Sam Plants a Sunflower
Nature Storybooks Series
What’s inside...
Sam the cat plants sunflower seeds in his garden and eagerly awaits the blooming of the flowers. As he watches the sunflowers grow, two other garden characters, Worm and Ladybird, explain the scientific process of how sunflowers grow in simple terms. The book features pop-ups, flaps, and gardening tips for readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-3
Length
16 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Sam felt when he first planted the sunflower seed?
Why do you think the sunflower needs the sun to grow?
How do you think Sam takes care of his sunflower?
What can we learn from Sam about patience and caring for something?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the process of growth, not just in plants, but in their own lives. Ask them to share something they are nurturing or growing.
Discuss the importance of sunlight and water in growing plants, and extend this to the importance of healthy habits for personal growth.
While discussing the book, use expressive facial expressions and voice intonations to make the story more engaging and emphasize the emotional journey of Sam.
Connect the story to your child's experiences, such as a time they cared for a plant, pet, or even a younger sibling, to make the themes more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Sam Plants a Sunflower', Sam learns about the responsibilities involved in caring for a plant, from sowing the seed to ensuring it gets enough water and sunlight.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home, such as caring for a pet or helping in the garden, which fosters a sense of accountability and diligence.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: As Sam waits for his sunflower to grow, he learns the value of patience. The story highlights that some processes cannot be rushed and require time to flourish.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of waiting patiently for outcomes, whether it is waiting for their turn to play a game or anticipating the results of their hard work in school.
Example Lesson: The Cycle of Nature
Explanation: The book explains the lifecycle of a sunflower from seed to sprout to full bloom and eventually seeding again, providing a clear and engaging explanation of how plants grow.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to environmental awareness and the importance of plants in the ecosystem, potentially cultivating an interest in biology and environmental stewardship.
Example Lesson: Joy of Sharing
Explanation: Sam shares the beauty of his sunflower with friends and family, demonstrating the joy of sharing achievements and beauty with others.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to share their own successes and positive moments with others, reinforcing the value of generosity and community.
Example Lesson: Observation Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sam observes changes in his sunflower, which teaches children the importance of paying attention to details and changes in their environment.
Real-World Application: Kids can develop their observational skills by engaging more with their surroundings, whether observing wildlife, noticing seasonal changes, or simply being more present in day-to-day activities.