The Bean Diary

Today was the last day of term and all the reception children came bounding out of class clutching plastic cups from which grew beanstalks of varying heights. This half-term's theme had been growth and one of the projects was for each child to germinate a bean and investigate and observe its growth. Today they were to take home their beanstalks.

After presenting me with a term's worth of junk modeling, a P.E kit bag, bulging school bag and an Easter basket, Louis handed me the cup. I peered inside to see a clump of soggy cotton wool and a moldy looking bean.

'Oh well, not to worry sweetie' I said as another parent marveled at their child's towering plant. Louis burrowed in my handbag for a snack and I balanced the cup on top of the heavily loaded buggy.

Later, back at home I discovered The Bean Diary in his school bag. On the front page was his name underneath which he had drawn a rather optimistic picture of a healthy, tall beanstalk with lush green leaves. The diary made dismal reading. He wrote,

Week One: A bin (accompanied by enthusiastic colourful sketch of bean in cup )

Week Two: No, my bin has not grown (accompanied by pencil drawing of bean in cup)

Week Three: Nothin (no picture)

Week Four: My bin is ded (accompanied by an angry black scribble representation of bean)

Tonight there were a few tears before bedtime as he considered his bean's failure to sprout. I reassured him that within the next few weeks seedlings would be appearing in the trays in the greenhouse and we could observe those instead. 

In the meantime I might just hurl his bean out of the kitchen window, but keep an axe close at hand, just in case.

Comments

[Caroline]

Oh, I don't know whether to laugh or cry at that post. Poor Louis - sounds as though he's gonna be about as green fingered as I am! Happy Easter to you all x

[Jo]

Had a bit of a result yesterday and after almost drowning it in water since last week it has sprouted! Louis is delighted :)