The Benefit of School Gardens

We LOVE being outside. There is something about breathing in the fresh air, seeing the wildlife running around us, smelling things we smell every day but never actually take the time to really smell... It just puts us all in a better mood. 

And it is such a great way to learn.

We are constantly finding teachable moments outside. The amazement on a child's face when you explain that the tiny acorn they are holding will one day grow into that huge oak tree towering above them is priceless. Or letting them watch a caterpillar metamorphose into a butterfly.

We found this swallowtail caterpillar giving our parsley a taste test!

So why not harness that awesome power of nature and bring it into your learning? Or better yet, bring your learning into nature?

Our gardens are probably the single greatest tool we use to learn. I start my kids out in the garden before they can even walk. They love feeling the textures and playing in the soil, watching the creepy-crawlies, and "helping" me plant. I won't lie, we have had packages of seeds spilled, things planted haphazardly, and mystery plants coming up in some strange places. But it's been such a great experience. 

Harvesting potatoes got a little messy, but she loved helping find them. It was like a treasure hunt!

We love using our senses in the garden. Hearing the bees, feeling the different textures of leaves, seeing all the colors of the flowers (and butterflies!). Not to mention smelling and tasting the herbs, fruits, and veggies. My kids think eating their veggies is a treat. Getting them to share with us is a whole other story!

We weren't the only ones tasting the Thai basil. This bee thought it was yummy, too!
Gardening isn't just about plants. It presents a great opportunity to study wildlife, habitats, and relationships.

While ours is more of a "homeschool" garden, there are several schools around us with amazing gardening programs. Moss Haven Farms is an amazing farm and garden program by one of the local elementary schools. They even sponsor a "Peek at the Coops" where the community can tour resident's chicken coops and gardens in the local community. Wouldn't it be amazing if every public school offered a program like this to their students?

My kids love visiting the chickens and collecting the eggs at their grandparent's farm.

From observing the animals and insects, to experimenting with planting mediums, to watching seeds sprout and grow and produce food they kids get to actually eat, gardening provides so many learning opportunities. Some are structured and planned, and some just present themselves to us as we are working in it. 

Working on a garden observation drawing is a great way to incorporate some art into your learning.

There have been so many studies coming out with evidence that gardening is actually good for your health. Physical evidence that the microbes in the soil are beneficial for you. But slowing down long enough to literally stop and smell the roses and eating all those fresh, healthy snacks can't hurt either, right?

Who can resist a sweet strawberry fresh from the garden?

Need help starting your school garden? Check out my School Garden Prep Pack to get you started. It's full of resources and even includes a few starter activities! 

Do you have a school or homeschool garden? What kind of lessons or activities do you use for your students?