Fourth column from our ‘Gardening with Kids’ expert and Nashville State School Prep Teacher, Sue McKenzie
We love to learn in the garden at our school. As well as the well documented health benefits of growing our own produce and enjoying the physical activity of gardening, we learn in lots of other less obvious ways. We read the instructions on seed packets and seedling tags to know how and where to plant our little plants. We write signs so that our plants are labelled and our gardens decorated.
We learn to understand concepts of time when we read how long it will take for our plants to produce or flower. It also helps us to learn patience! We have to use our skills in measurement to plant at correct distances and to monitor our rain gauge.
When we harvest we count what we have collected and marvel at how one plant can produce so much. In the area of science we observe life cycles and how eco-systems of plants and animals work together. In geography we draw maps of our gardens to plan our planting. Gardening plus fun definitely equals learning!
At home you can also celebrate learning with your child through your garden. Buy some plants, read the instructions, write a sign, measure growth, count flowers or fruit, or even follow a recipe to cook something with your produce. Join in the fun and your child will be learning in no time!
P.S. Unfortunately we had a setback in growing our giant pumpkins. The humidity at the time was so great that our pumpkins succumbed to mildew. Never mind, we will try again soon now the air is drier. We are learning persistence and resilience. Another lesson learnt in our garden!
More local gardening information
- Backyard fire pit rules
- Brisbane nurseries
- Vend Marketplace – nursery in Brisbane
- Food swaps – swap your garden produce
Gardening with children articles
- Gardening with kids – planting the seeds of growth
- Edible gardening on a budget
- Growing pumpkins with kids
- How to grow flowers with kids
- Growing cherry tomatoes with kids
Find more great articles about enjoying family time around the home here.
