We planted two seed potatoes back in April and this week it was time to discover what had grown. We talked about where the potatoes had been growing and how it was different to the strawberries and peas which we had seen growing on the plants.
We all guessed how many potatoes may have grown - the numbers ranged from thousands to two! The children were very excited as they spotted potatoes poking out if the compost when we tipped out the bag.
Back indoors children wanted to count the potatoes and this offered plenty of opportunity for discussion about the sizes and estimating amounts. Some of the children wanted to sort them into their sizes. One child announced "I need to see these more closely!" and skipped off to fetch a magnifying glass!
We finally counted 45 potatoes! What a great harvest!
Two willing volunteers washed the potatoes. The children knew they needed to be clean before they could be cooked and eaten, and a deep discussion about germs ensued!!
One child said he had found some paper - it was in fact the very thin skin - this prompted a great deal of interest with the other children and they wanted to peel off the skin too.
Mrs Courtney took the potatoes home to cook, and the next day we talked about the photos and the changes to the potatoes.
WONDERFUL CLASS!
19 of our children will be moving up into the reception classes in September, so this was the last week they were together.
What a great year it has been, with super children full of fun and eager to learn!
