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Teacher Portal & FAQ
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🌱 Program Overview, Instructional Design & Logistics
Q: Where do I begin?
Page 2 of your teacher guide gives a general overview of the organization, as well as a QR code for a video with an explanation.
Q: Should I follow the directions on the classroom garden packaging?
No, follow the Teacher Guide directions. Families will use the website after students take home their gardens.
Q: How much time should I set aside each day/week?
Each of the seven weeks includes four 15-20 minute lessons.
Q: What if I don’t have seven weeks left of school?
You may combine weeks to fit your calendar. Plant growth may vary.
Q: Do the lessons have to be on consecutive days?
No, choose any four days per week to complete lessons.
Q: What if I miss a lesson?
Catch up on Day 5 or combine missed lessons.
Q: Where do I submit pre/post assessment data?
Use the survey sent to you between Week 4 and Week 6.
Q: How do I send home Zucchini the Great with the Traveling Journal?
Establish a routine so all students get a turn to take Zucchini home.
Q: When should I send home the Growums Gardens?
Send them home on Week 2, Day 1 so students can start gardens with their families.
Q: Where can I find the post-unit survey?
It will be emailed to you and also available via QR code on the back cover of the Teacher Guide.
📦 Materials & Supplies
Q: Do I need to provide any materials?
Students will need pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, and art supplies on specific days. Refer to the Teacher Guide.
Q: Do I get to keep the materials after the pilot?
Yes, all materials are yours to keep thanks to our sponsors.
Q: What if I’m missing materials?
Email [email protected].
Q: Where is the soil for planting day?
Transplanting starts Week 5, Day 1. A coupon for soil may be provided, but one 6-pound bag may be needed.
Q: What if Zucchini the Great isn’t returned?
A digital download is available in the online portal.
🌿 Planting & Growing
Q: How much water should I use in the tray?
Fill with warm water until all eight pellets expand. Keep the tray filled afterward.
Q: How do I plant the seeds?
Plant three seeds ÂĽ inch deep in each pellet. Label them. Save the extras.
Q: What if seeds don’t sprout?
Check soil moisture, sunlight (6 hours/day), and temperature (70–80°F). If no growth after 10 days, replant.
Q: When do I transplant the plants?
Once each plant has three true leaves, transplant to soil.
🌿 Student Engagement
Q: Are there group and individual activities?
Yes, activities include whole group, small group, and independent options.
Q: Where are the directions for the “Parts of a Plant” skit?
Page 12 of the Teacher Guide.
Q: Where are the answers to the Plant & Human Needs Graphic Organizer?
Page 16 of the Teacher Guide.
Q: Where can I find the card sort activity?
Directions: Page 14 (Week 1, Day 3). Answers: Page 17.
Q: Are the read-aloud books in the kit?
Yes. All three books will arrive during the program. The final book comes with surprises near the end.
Online read-alouds:
- From Seed to Plant
- Tops and Bottoms
- Plants Can’t Sit Still
Q: Where are the Vocabulary Routine directions?
Page 22 of the Teacher Guide (Week 2, Day 1).
Q: Where is the Interactive Growums Map?
Available in the online portal for completing the Student Growing Guide.
Q: What is the Cooperative Speed Quiz?
Directions: Page 28 (Week 4, Day 2). Answers: Page 31.
🌍 Technology & Multimedia
Q: Where can I find the program videos?
All videos are linked in the digital version of the Teacher Guide. Here are the direct links for your convenience:
- Planting Your Pellets Video
- Inside the Pellets Video
- No Sprouts? Video
- Sun & Shade Video
- Container vs. Ground Video
- Duke the Cuke Video
- How to Plant Your Garden Video
- Important Information About Tomatoes & Cucumbers Video
- Growing Outside Video
- Plant Supports Video
- Time for a Plan Video
- Get the Weeds Video
🎉 Celebration & Wrap-up
Q: Do I need a final celebration? What should it be?
Choose what fits your classroom. Options include:
- Send plants home with certificates
- Hold a classroom or garden-themed celebration
- “Plant Stories” – students write stories from the plant’s perspective
- Teacher’s Choice – create your own activity like a video, art, scavenger hunt, etc.
Bonus: Complete the survey and get a $50 pizza party gift card.
Q: When do students take plants home?
Around Week 5, Day 4 – up to your discretion.