Cultivating a garden with elementary school children
Abstract
As part of its after-school program for at-risk children, an elementary school in Manatee, Florida, developed a year-long service-learning gardening activity, where children maintain an ongoing responsibility for the garden, and learn about nature and the environment in the process.Issue
Teachers at an elementary school wanted another activity for their after-school program. School staff and the Learn and Serve America member working with the school wanted to engage students in an environmental service-learning project that went beyond a one-day project. The elementary school had a bare plot on the school grounds.Action
The garden was started with a one-day service project that involved children of all ages and adults from the community. They cultivated a bare plot of land on school grounds and planted flowers and other plants that were in-kind donations from local community groups.
The elementary children maintain the garden. They check on the garden once every two weeks, and weed and water as needed. They keep lists of types of weeds pulled, measure growth of trees, and keep records of which plants thrive and which do not.
Context
This effective practice was first implemented through an elementary after-school program in Florida. Subsequently, the Learn and Serve America member relocated to Rhode Island, where he replicated the garden project at a community center.Outcome
The school gardening project has many results:- Beautifies a community area
- Provides an exciting and meaningful activity for children
- Teaches children about nature and the environment
- Teaches children about responsibility, upkeep, ownership
- Improves children's cooperation skills
- Allows a large number of participants in a continuing program
- Provides an opportunity for civic involvement
Posted On
November 1, 2001Related Practices
Related sites
Gator Gardening for Kids, University of Florida
Agriultural Information Services: Penn State Pointers