This resource is adapted from the “Little Red Hen” lesson plans hosted on National Agriculture in the Classroom by Vanae Morris, Debra Spielmaker, Pat Thompson, and Lynn Walling (Utah Agriculture in the Classroom and Oklahoma Agriculture in the Classroom). This resource is shared via C BY-NC-SA 4.0 with some adjustments.
Day 1: Introduction to The Little Red Hen
Begin by reading The Little Red Hen.
Recommended versions:
- The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone (1985)
- The Little Red Hen by Lucinda McQueen (1985)
- The Little Red Hen by Jerry Pinkney
- A read-aloud version from Scholastic (YouTube)
Materials:
- Wheat seeds
- Wheat stems
- Flour
- A loaf of bread
Activity: Story Sequencing
Place the seeds, stems, flour, and bread in random order on a table.
Discuss the steps the Little Red Hen followed to make her bread. Then, work together to place the items in the correct order while using sequencing language:
- First
- Next
- Then
- Finally
Correct sequence:
- First, the Little Red Hen planted the seeds.
- Next, she harvested the wheat.
- Then, she took the wheat to the mill to be ground into flour.
- Finally, she used the flour to make bread.
Day 2: Growing Wheat (or Corn!)
Discussion Question: Who grows the wheat or corn used to make flour and cornmeal?
Farmers!
Explain that while a gardener like the Little Red Hen might grow a small amount, farmers grow large quantities to supply grocery stores and restaurants.
Discussion Question: What do plants need to grow?
Light, water, air, and nutrients
Hands-On Activity: Seed Germination
Materials:
- Plastic bag
- Paper towel
- Water
- Clear cup or container
- Permanent marker
- Potting soil
- Gardening tools
- Corn seeds (or wheat seeds)
Wrap seeds in a damp paper towel and place them inside a plastic bag. Keep in a warm place (70–75°F) and check daily.
Once sprouts appear, plant them!
Planting Instructions:
- Label your cup with your child’s name.
- Fill the cup ¾ full with soil.
- Place 3–5 seeds along the sides (for root observation).
- Cover with a thin layer of soil.
Show examples of:
- Dry soil
- Overwatered soil
- Properly watered soil
Water lightly and place near sunlight or grow lights.
Extension:
Observe daily and draw or write about plant growth.
Day 3: Teamwork
What is Teamwork? Teamwork means working together to achieve a common goal.
Important qualities:
- Listening
- Communication
- Respect
- Encouragement
- Team spirit (celebrating success!)
Explain how farmers rely on teamwork to grow and harvest crops.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the responsibilities of a wheat farmer?
(Preparing soil, planting, caring for crops, harvesting, transporting) - What would happen if farmers refused to help each other like in The Little Red Hen?
- What machines help farmers harvest wheat?
Watch a short video showing modern farming teamwork.
Day 4: Faith Connection – The Parable of the Sower
Opening Discussion:
- What has happened to our plants this week?
- What do plants need to grow?
- What happens if we don’t take care of them?
Connect this idea: Just like seeds need care to grow, our hearts need care too.
Read: Matthew 13:3–9, 18–23 (The Parable of the Sower) and/or watch the Saddleback Kids video
Summary:
Jesus tells a story about seeds falling on different types of ground:
- Path (eaten by birds)
- Rocky ground (no roots)
- Thorny ground (choked out)
- Good soil (grows strong)
The seed represents God’s Word, and the soil represents our hearts.
Activity: Soil Experiment
Materials:
- 4 cups
- Soil, rocks, sticks, good soil
- Seeds
Fill cups with:
- Seeds on top (path)
- Rocks
- Sticks/thorns
- Good soil
Plant seeds in each.
Key Teaching Point:
Only good soil allows seeds to grow.
Key Verse: Matthew 13:23 – The seed that fell on good soil represents someone who hears God’s Word and understands it.
Add simple motions:
- Planting → pretend to plant
- Heart → point to chest
- Hearing → cup ear
- Understanding → tap head
Closing Reflection
When we listen to God and follow Him, our hearts become like good soil.
From that soil grows:
- Kindness
- Patience
- Love
And just like planting seeds, those qualities spread and grow in others too.