Introducing photosynthesis to preschoolers can be a fun and educational experience.

This guide provides age-appropriate explanations, interactive activities, and helpful resources to make learning about photosynthesis engaging for both parents and children.

What Is Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create food and release oxygen.

Explain that plants have special parts called chloroplasts that help them make their own food.

How Does Photosynthesis Work

Plants take in sunlight through their leaves and use it to convert water from the ground and carbon dioxide from the air into glucose (sugar) and oxygen. The glucose is used for energy, and the oxygen is released into the air for us to breathe.

Resources To Teach Photosynthesis To Your Preschooler

Teaching photosynthesis can be made more exciting with various resources. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Experiments

• Plant Growth Experiment: Plant seeds in different conditions (light, darkness, water, etc.) and observe how they grow.
• Sunlight and Plants Experiment: Observe the growth of plants placed in different levels of sunlight.
• Oxygen Production Experiment: Place a plant in a sealed container and measure the changes in oxygen levels over time.

Toys & Games

• Planting Kit: Provide children with a planting kit to grow their own plants and learn about the different stages of plant growth.
• Memory Game: Create a memory game with cards featuring images of plants, sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to reinforce the concept.
• Sun Catcher Craft: Make sun catchers with colorful translucent materials to represent how plants capture sunlight.

Physical Activities

• Sun Salutation Yoga: Teach children a simple sun salutation yoga routine to emphasize the importance of sunlight for plants.
• Leaf Shadow Tag: Play a game of tag where children’s shadows act as the “sunlight” to activate other players, simulating the process of photosynthesis.
• Dance Like a Plant: Encourage children to dance freely, imitating the swaying and stretching movements of plants as they absorb sunlight.

Worksheets

• Color by Number: Provide a worksheet where children color different parts of a plant, such as leaves, roots, and flowers, while learning their functions.
• Drawing Activity: Ask children to draw and label the different steps of photosynthesis, reinforcing their understanding of the process.
• Word Search: Develop a word search puzzle with words related to photosynthesis, helping children familiarize themselves with the vocabulary.

Videos

• How Photosynthesis Works: This animated video explains photosynthesis in a simple and engaging way, using colorful visuals and age-appropriate language.
• The Photosynthesis Song: A catchy song that reinforces the concept of photosynthesis and helps children remember the main steps.
• The Magic School Bus Gets Planted: Join Ms. Frizzle and her class on a magical adventure to learn all about plants and photosynthesis.

Conclusion

By using age-appropriate language, interactive activities, and engaging resources, parents can help their children develop a basic understanding of this vital process in nature.