Fun in the Sun - Sunflower-Themed Activities and Life Cycle, Anatomy Printables for Children

Discover a world of learning and creativity with these engaging sunflower-themed activities and printables. From coloring pages to connect-the-dots, these resources provide endless fun and education for children of all ages. Help your child explore the sunflower life cycle, learn about pollination, and enjoy the beauty of one of nature’s most beloved flowers. Perfect for a lazy summer afternoon or as part of a homeschool curriculum, these resources are a must-have for any parent or teacher looking to excite and inspire young minds.

About Sunflower for Children

Sunflowers are one of the most easily recognized flowers in the world. Whether it’s their sunny faces, their tall stalks or their delicious seeds, there’s something for everyone to love about these flowers.

Here are some fun facts about sunflowers:

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Sunflowers can grow up to 10 feet tall! That’s as tall as a two-story house.
Sunflowers are known as the “happy” flower because they always face the sun. This process is called heliotropism.
Sunflowers are native to North America.
Sunflower seeds are a healthy snack because they are high in protein and good fats.
Sunflowers are not only used as a decoration or for their seeds. They can also be used to make oil, paint, soap, and even fuel.
Sunflowers are part of the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies, chrysanthemums, and asters.
Sunflowers have been grown for more than 1,000 years and were first cultivated by Native Americans.
Sunflowers can be different colors other than yellow. They can also be red, orange, brown, or even dark purple.
The sunflower head is made up of hundreds or even thousands of tiny flowers, which is why it’s called a “composite flower.”
Sunflowers are a symbol of loyalty and longevity—they always follow the sun from east to west and back again.

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They’re easy to grow

Sunflowers are one of the easiest flowers to grow in a garden. They prefer lots of sunlight and well-drained soil, but they can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Plus, they’re fast-growers, so you’ll be able to see the progress in just a few weeks.

Here are the steps to grow sunflowers in the classroom with kids:

Choose a suitable container: You can use plastic cups, small plant pots, or trays to grow sunflowers.
Fill the container with soil: Use a good quality potting soil and fill the container almost to the top.
Plant the sunflower seed: Make a small hole in the soil with your finger and drop the sunflower seed in it. Cover the seed with soil and press it gently.
Water: Water the container thoroughly, making sure the soil is moist but not soaking wet.
Place the container in a sunny location: Sunflowers need full sun to grow, so place the containers in a sunny window or under grow lights.
Monitor growth: Check on the containers regularly to make sure they are not drying out. Water when necessary.
Transplant: Once the sunflowers have grown several inches tall, and the second set of leaves has grown, it’s time to transfer them to an individual pot.
Continue care: Continue to water and provide enough light until the sunflowers are ready for planting outside.

Note: This may take a few months before outdoor planting is safe, and some preparation will need to be done before planting in the soil, such as hardening them off or working the soil.

Sunflowers are not just pretty flowers. They’re fascinating plants that can grow to incredible heights, follow the sun’s movement across the sky, and provide a variety of benefits to humans and animals alike.

Here are some important parts of a sunflower:

Stem: The stem is the long green part of the sunflower that holds up the flower. It also helps to transport water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the plant.

Leaves: Sunflower leaves are large and green. They absorb sunlight and also play a role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants make food.

Flower head: The flower head is the part of the sunflower that most people recognize. It’s made up of hundreds of tiny flowers arranged in a circular pattern. This is where the seeds are formed.

Ray florets: These are the petals on the outer edge of the flower head. They are often yellow or orange and help to attract pollinators.

Disk florets: These are the tiny flowers in the center of the flower head. They are usually brown or black and produce pollen.

Seeds: Once the flower head has matured, it will produce seeds. Sunflower seeds are a popular snack and are also used to make oils and other products.

Roots: The roots of a sunflower are important for absorbing water and nutrients from the soil. They are also important for anchoring the plant in place.

Sunflowers are part of the daisy family and have a unique life cycle that is quite fascinating:

Seed Stage

The life cycle of sunflowers starts with a tiny seed. Sunflower seeds are flat, oval-shaped, and about 1.5 to 2 cm long. They are rich in nutrients and often eaten as snacks or used to make sunflower oil. Gardeners and farmers plant sunflower seeds in the soil in the spring or summer, and they typically germinate within a week or two.

Seedling Stage

After a sunflower seed germinates, it grows roots and a tiny shoot that eventually becomes a stem. The stem grows taller and taller, and the first two leaves appear. At this stage, sunflower seedlings need plenty of water, nutrients, and sunlight to grow healthy and strong.

Vegetative Stage

During the vegetative stage, sunflowers grow taller and develop more leaves, branches, and buds. They continue to need plenty of water, nutrients, and sunlight during this stage to grow strong and healthy. Sunflowers can grow up to 10 feet tall or more during this stage, depending on the variety.

Flowering Stage

The flowering stage is the most exciting time for sunflower lovers. At this stage, sunflowers develop large, vibrant yellow petals and a brown center filled with hundreds of tiny seeds. This is also the stage where bees and other insects play a crucial role in pollinating the flowers and allowing the seeds to develop.

Seed Production Stage

After the flowers are pollinated, the seeds begin to develop. The flowers start to wither, and the heads begin to droop. Gradually, the sunflowers begin to wilt, and the leaves and petals fall off. During this stage, the seeds continue to develop and mature. They become plump and start to turn brown, indicating that they are ready for harvesting.

Harvesting Stage

Once sunflowers are fully matured, they are ready for harvesting. Gardeners and farmers cut the heads off the plants and allow them to dry for a few weeks before harvesting the seeds. Sunflower seeds can be used for food, animal feed, or planting new sunflowers in the next season.

The life cycle of sunflowers is an endless cycle that repeats itself every year. From tiny seeds to tall flowers to matured seeds ready for harvesting, sunflowers always bring joy and beauty to our gardens and fields. Understanding the life cycle of sunflowers can help kids appreciate and take care of these beautiful flowers.

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Sunflower themed hands on activities for children

Sunflowers are a fun and engaging way to introduce children to nature and gardening. These hands-on Montessori activities will help children learn about sunflowers and develop their motor skills, creativity, and understanding of the world around them.

Sunflower Seed Sorting: Children can learn to sort sunflower seeds by size, color, and shape. Provide different containers for them to place the seeds, such as small cups or bowls. This activity will help children with their fine motor skills and sorting abilities.

Sunflower Stamping: Cut a sunflower shape out of a sponge and provide children with paint and paper. They can dip the stamp in paint and create beautiful sunflower prints. This activity promotes creativity and helps children learn about the different parts of a sunflower.

Sunflower Counting: Use sunflower seeds to teach children basic counting skills. Ask questions such as, “How many seeds are in this sunflower?” or “Can you count out ten seeds?” This activity helps children develop their math skills and reinforces their ability to count.

Sunflower Life Cycle: Use pictures or real sunflowers to teach children about the different stages of growth in a sunflower’s life cycle. Talk about the different parts of the plant, including the roots, stem, leaves, and flowers. This activity promotes scientific learning and helps children understand the natural world.

Sunflower Sensory Bin: Fill a bin with sunflower seeds, sunflower petals, and other sensory objects such as sand or rocks. Children can explore the different textures and shapes while learning about sunflowers. This activity promotes sensory development and helps children learn through play.

Sunflower Pouring: Fill a small pitcher with sunflower seeds and provide a small cup. Encourage children to pour the seeds from the pitcher to the cup.

Sunflower Pattern Making: Provide children with sunflower templates and colored beads. Encourage children to make patterns with the beads on the sunflower templates.

Seed Picking: Provide children with a small basket and ask them to pick sunflower seeds from a sunflower head. This hands-on activity allows children to practice hand-eye coordination, pincer grasp, and concentration.

Seed Snack: Roast sunflower seeds and allow the child to snack on them. This activity incorporates practical life skills, such as cooking and healthy eating habits.

Montessori education emphasizes hands-on learning and promotes independence and self-directed learning. These sunflower-themed activities are perfect for incorporating into a Montessori preschool classroom or homeschooling curriculum. They are easy to set up and provide children with the opportunity to learn and grow through exploration and play.

Sunflower learning pack

You are invited to download the Sunflower Printables with learning printables for preschool and kindergarten children. Use this resource with clear true-to-life images and photographs to create hands-on fall-themed activities for your students or when exploring autumn flowers.
Children will learn the stages of the sunflower life cycle, and parts of a sunflower, practice sequencing skills, and work to improve their concentration and fine motor skills.

Sunflowers are a popular choice for gardens, but they are also a great topic for learning and creativity. Here are some engaging sunflower-themed activities and printables to help children of all ages discover the wonders of these amazing plants.

Utilizing printable resources such as 3-part cards, information cards, and student books can aid in teaching children about the life cycle, parts, and different varieties of sunflowers. These resources offer many advantages, including enhancing visual recognition skills, broadening vocabulary, and encouraging independent learning.

3 Part Cards: These cards are great for teaching young children to name the different parts of a sunflower. There are three sets of cards: one with pictures and words, one with just pictures, and one with just words. Children can match the cards to identify each part of the sunflower.

Life Cycle Printables: Help your child learn about the different stages of the sunflower life cycle, from seed to seedling to full-grown plant. There are various activities for each stage, including coloring pages, sequencing activities, and information cards.

Blackline Masters: These coloring pages and worksheets are great for children of preschool and kindergarten ages and offer a variety of activities to keep them engaged.

These sunflower-themed activities and printables are not only fun, they can also be an excellent educational resource. They offer an opportunity for children to explore the sunflower life cycle, learn about pollination, and enjoy the beauty of one of nature’s most beloved flowers.

This resource contains a sunflower life cycle poster, worksheet, 3-part cards, and parts of a sunflower printable.

Here is what’s included

Sunflower life cycle poster
Sunflower life cycle 3 part cards
Sunflower life cycle coloring, cutting, and pasting worksheet (color and blackline)
Sunflower life cycle tracing strips
Sunflower life cycle information cards
Parts of a Sunflower poster
Parts of a Sunflower student activity page
Parts of a Sunflower labels
Parts of a Sunflower tracing & independent writing worksheet
Parts of a Sunflower student booklet (independent writing)
Parts of a Sunflower information cards
Types of Sunflowers 3 part cards
Types of Sunflowers information cards
Sunflower characteristics color poster
Sunflower characteristics black line poster
Sunflower characteristics mat
Sunflower characteristics color cards
Sunflower characteristics tracing & coloring student booklet
Sunflower characteristics student booklet
Sunflower information poster
My Book About Sunflower
Sunflower anatomy diagram adjective activity.

Age: Preschool ages 3 – 6 years

Subjects and uses in the classroom: Flowers, Autumn, Plant Life Cycle, Nature Table, Science Centers, Fine motor, Prewriting

How to use this resource:

Parts of a Sunflower – Gather books about sunflowers for children to explore. Print posters and label cards on cardstock and laminate. Cut individual label cards. Attach clear velcro to the poster without labels and label cards.

Present the poster – name all parts and invite the students to share their thoughts on the various functions of each part and make their own research. Then read each label and invite the student to match it to the corresponding part of the sunflower.

Life cycle poster – print on cardstock and laminate. Present all stages of the sunflower life cycle. Invite the children to retell the stages or tell their own story that features all the stages.

Get the LIFE CYCLE FIGURINES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS HERE

Sunflower life cycle and Parts of a Sunflower 3- part cards – Print on cardstock and laminate if you wish to preserve colors and card quality for future use. Place picture cards in a column and invite the children to match the picture to the picture and the word to the word. Present control cards and invite the child to lay the stages of the cycle in the correct order.

Sunflower life cycle line art – supply scissors, glue, and coloring pencils. Invite the student to color and cut cards and glue them into the correct sequence.

Sunflower tracing/labeling and coloring worksheets – print on cardstock and laminate. Supply an erasable pen. Invite the child to trace the words and color corresponding images. Alternatively, print pages on regular printing paper and invite the child to trace or label parts of a sunflower and sunflower life cycle.

You might like to invite the students to compare the life cycle of a sunflower with other plants.