This week, the Kindergarten Panthers in the Early Learning Center had a joyful and meaningful moment of discovery as they observed just how much their long bean and loofah seedlings have grown. What began weeks ago as tiny seeds has now become thriving young plants—offering students a living, growing example of the plant life cycle in action.
Under the passionate and thoughtful guidance of Christina McPherson, students have been learning that plants grow through a complete cycle: seed, sprout, plant, flower, and seed again. One of the most exciting realizations for our young learners was understanding that we no longer need to buy new seeds—because the plants themselves have completed the cycle by producing seeds of their own. This moment helped students see sustainability, patience, and nature’s rhythm in a tangible and empowering way.
As part of their learning, families were invited to participate at home as well. For the six wonderful parents who helped start seeds their children brought home, it’s helpful to know that both long bean and loofah plants need a trellis or sturdy fence to support their climbing growth—another valuable lesson in how plants depend on their environment to thrive.
The week concluded with a beautiful celebration of growth and care: students harvested flowers they had grown themselves and arranged them into a bouquet for Ms. Cerni’s desk, sharing the results of their hard work and nurturing hands.
Through hands-on experiences like these, our Panther Cubs are learning far more than science facts. They are developing responsibility, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world—planting seeds not only in the soil, but in their understanding of how life grows and connects.
