House 1
Students will attend to the story or plant and communicate one feeling or sensory boundary.
Lesson 10 • Plants & seasons
The Lonely Little Cactus
Read a cactus story, notice feelings, and make a safe succulent garden.
Classroom lesson: Cacti and The Lonely Little CactusToday I can…
name a feeling and help a succulent feel at home.
Words to know
Our five words
CACTUSDRYSPIKYFEELFRIEND
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Read
Listen to or look through the cactus story.
- 2
Choose a feeling
Pick lonely, calm, happy, or unsure.
- 3
Observe
Look at a cactus or spineless succulent safely.
- 4
Plant
Add dry mix and help place a safe plant.
- 5
Add a friend
Choose a companion plant, stone, or label.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
HAPPYLONELYDRYFRIENDNO TOUCH
Teacher & para guideMaterials, House objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- The Lonely Little Cactus story or picture sequence
- Spineless succulent when possible
- Container with drainage
- Succulent mix
- Scoop and tongs
- Feeling and friendship symbols
Safety first
Prefer spineless plants. An adult handles any cactus with spines. Do not force touch; use tongs, pictures, or observation only.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Objectives by House
House 2
Students will match a story feeling or cactus feature and complete one planting choice.
House 3
Students will sequence three story or planting events and identify one succulent need.
House 4 & 5
Students will connect the story theme to plant care and complete a safe succulent container with a care plan.
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.