Winterizing Your Garden – Nature-Based Lesson + Slide Lesson (Digital Download)

Bring your classroom garden to life—even in winter!
Students will discover that the soil never sleeps—and that caring for the earth is an act of hope for the seasons to come.

Tuck your garden in for its long winter nap with this engaging, hands-on lesson that teaches students how to care for the soil just like nature does! Inspired by the wisdom of the forest, Winterizing Your Garden helps kids understand how leaves, roots, and compost work together to protect and feed the earth through the seasons.

This lesson connects science, sustainability, and stewardship in a way children can see and feel. Students harvest the last vegetables, collect seeds for next year, and learn to “blanket” the soil with leaves and wood chips: just as trees do in the forest. Fun, interactive extensions like Compost Soup and the Composting Dice Game bring decomposition and soil life to life!

What’s Included

• Full 15-page Teacher Lesson Plan and Slide Presentation-This complete lesson kit and interactive slide presentation guide kids through harvesting, seed saving, composting, and winter soil care using real-world, nature-based learning.

• Printable Compost Dice Game and score cards

• Compost Soup Teacher Instructions and kid-friendly recipe card

• Observation Checklist for measurable learning outcomes

Students Will Learn

• How nature protects and restores soil health

• The science of decomposition and composting

• How to prepare and care for a garden through the winter

• Environmental stewardship and responsibility

• NGSS-aligned science connections for K–5

Perfect For

• Classroom teachers and school garden coordinators

• STEM / STEAM programs

• After-school and nature-based learning

• Homeschool families

• Community and youth garden programs

Details

• Format: Digital Download (Slide presentation + Printable Activities)

• Grade Level: K–5

• Duration: 60–75 minutes

• Standards: NGSS & Michigan Science Standards

• Created by: H.O.P.E. Gardens – Helping Other People Eat