The birds are chirping, the days are getting longer (and warmer), the earth worms are wiggling and the garden dirt is ready for play. Gardening is an important opportunity for kids and caregivers alike to explore and grow together.
Gardening grows communication and teamwork skills by requiring kids and caregivers to work together to plan and organize what is going to be planted and talking about what is growing and what is not. Gardening grows fine and gross motor skills by using almost every muscle in the body in some way. The senses are activated through the feeling of the mud between fingers and toes; smelling the plants; touching leaves, petals and seeds; and by eating the fruits—and vegetables—of the labor.
Gardening grows literacy skills by allowing kids to draw pictures, to read about life cycles of plants and to learn new words. Math skills are cultivated through counting, sorting and identifying colors, shapes and sizes. There are many science lessons that come from a day out in the garden as well. Enriching chats about the life and water cycles and other ecological and environmental concepts, including appreciation for nature, take root outdoors. Gardening can be physically rewarding by providing exercise and fresh air, even reducing stress in kids and caregivers. Responsibility, confidence, nurturing skills and empathy can all flourish during gardening.
Growing through gardening can be messy, and messy is okay! Kids and caregivers both can learn so much through getting their hands dirty. Dig in with these shared gardening activities.
Learn new vocabulary while taking a trip to a garden. Students will be introduced to a garden and vocabulary related to the experience.
It's crafting time with your students! Teach your students about plants while they grow their very own gardens.
In this Dinosaur Train clip, Tiny sings about waiting for the garden she planted to grow. This resource teaches students that plants need sun, water, and time to grow.
Allison Lambert Gupton is from the beautiful town of Mocksville in Davie County. She, her husband and their two dogs enjoy spending time with friends and family, walking downtown, exploring other small towns and watching baseball. Allison loves to read and craft and is very involved in her church. She is a member of her local Rotary and community engagement is important to her. Allison earned a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from Liberty University and has worked in childcare for ten years as a preschool teacher assistant, then director of childcare ministries, where she started an after school and summer camp. She currently works at Smart Start Davie County as Community Relations and Education Coordinator.