Level 1
Choose or indicate one plant example using an established response.
2026–27 • Labs & wellness
Earth Day Hanging Kokedama
Help make a planted moss ball and choose how to care for it.
Classroom lesson: Earth Day Hanging KokedamaToday I can…
help assemble a planted moss ball
Words to know
Words for this lesson
PLANTROOTMOSSWRAPCARE
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Choose
Choose the plant or point to its care picture.
- 2
Shape
Watch or help an adult shape the prepared root ball in a tray.
- 3
Cover
Place or direct a partner to place the approved outer covering.
- 4
Wrap
Help guide the wrapping while an adult controls and secures the cord.
- 5
Plan care
Choose a stable display place and label the watering and light needs.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
CHOOSEHOLDWRAPWATCHHELP
Teacher & para guideMaterials, learning objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Screened small plant; prepared moist root-ball medium
- Responsibly sourced approved moss or suitable wrapping alternative
- Adult-controlled cord, stable tray, care label; tabletop display option
Safety first
Adults cut and secure cord and handle hanging hardware. Keep loops inaccessible and never hang above people or pathways. Use a tabletop display unless a secure mounting is approved. Avoid dusty or unsuitable moss and wash hands.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Individual learning objectives
Choose Level 1, 2 or 3 individually in either House group. A House is not an ability level. Watching, directing and communicating a boundary are valid participation.
Level 2
Complete or direct two steps of the activity with support.
Level 3
Compare results and communicate one observation or care decision.
Skill focus: Plant care, assembling, choice, shared responsibility
30-minute teaching sequence
Introduce · 5 min
5 minutes: Show the finished example or materials. Preview the choices, boundaries, and ways to participate.
I do · 10 min
5 minutes: Choose the plant or point to its care picture. Model one action slowly and demonstrate HELP and STOP.
We do · 10 min
15 minutes: Watch or help an adult shape the prepared root ball in a tray. Place or direct a partner to place the approved outer covering. Help guide the wrapping while an adult controls and secures the cord.
Exit choice · 5 min
5 minutes: Choose a stable display place and label the watering and light needs. Record the learner’s actual choice or observation; tidy the station together.
Science note: Kokedama is a planting form with a wrapped root ball rather than a conventional pot. Its watering and light needs depend on the plant and materials, not a single universal schedule.
Prepare for this learner
Offer speech, pointing, gaze, AAC, partner-assisted scanning, or a recorded choice. Follow individual vision and mobility plans. Present one or two items at a time; watching, declining, and taking a break are valid participation.
Lower-staffing option: Use one facilitator-led tray with learners choosing, observing, or directing from their seats. Omit handling if supervision is insufficient.
Record the response, access method, opportunities and support used. Record observed, declined or not assessed separately; a communicated refusal is not a failure of participation.
Word lesson plan
Editable classroom source plan. Source files may retain earlier titles. Use the individual level choices and safety guidance above when preparing the session.
Access supports
Communication Model five core words; accept speech, AAC, eye gaze, gestures, object choices, signs, and partner-assisted scanning.
Sensory Present one material at a time. Offer tools, gloves, observe-only, a scent-free choice, and a quiet break.
Motor Stabilize containers, pre-loosen parts, use adapted grips, and offer seated, standing, partner, or directing roles.
Learning Show the finished result, model first, use short visual steps, repeat, and record the least support needed.