Gardening is a good way for parents and teachers to spend quality time with children. Children learn basic skills when they observe how weather affects plants; how seeds sprout; how plants grow; how gardeners cope with plant problems; how soil, water and sunshine interact; how butterflies and other insects play a role.
These concepts promote hands-on learning, environmental responsiblilty and self-confidence in children. Gardening with children at home or in child-care programs is an open door to teaching life skills by engaging children in active learning, exploration and fun.
Gardening can become a primary part of an outdoor classroom and extend the learning experience. The experience will challenge both youth and adults to open channels of communication and share experiences that will be good for both. So, it is important to plant a garden with children and feel the richness of the sensory experience. Teachers who enjoy gardening will be rewarded immensely while they promote children’s love of learning and nature.
Scientific discovery abounds in gardens. Animals, insects, worms and other creatures are attracted to plants in a garden. Children learn by observing the ecosystem in a garden-bees pollinating plants; worms living in the soil and breaking down organic matter.
3/31/2010 9:12:08 PM
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