The Great Bean Race Level 19-20

A fun, competitive look at plant growth through a classroom bean-growing challenge.

In The Great Bean Race, readers join Mr Moffat's classroom as students embark on a lively science-based challenge to see whose bean plant will grow the fastest. Aimed at readers at Level 19-20 (Purple), this engaging story by Diana Noonan and illustrated by Christine Ross introduces comparison, graphic sources, and the importance of observation in learning. Students in the story try different methods to support their plants' growth-some play music, others read to their beans-all while observing results and drawing conclusions. Interjections, expressive punctuation, and speech bubbles support fluency and oral reading, while the theme of plants connects directly with science curriculum outcomes. The book is a great model for classroom experiments and inquiry-based learning, emphasising curiosity, collaboration, and persistence.

Educational Benefits:

• Supports scientific observation and data collection
• Reinforces comparing and contrasting strategies
• Builds fluency through expressive punctuation and dialogue
• Encourages inquiry through prediction and experimentation

Classroom Ideas:

• Conduct a classroom bean race and chart growth daily
• Explore the effects of different variables on plant growth
• Create plant care diaries or journals
• Discuss the role of patience and care in scientific discovery

Information:

• Reading Level: 19-20 (Purple)
• Themes: Plants
• Suitable for ages: 8-9 years
• Book size: 14.5cm x 16cm