FYI: For Teachers & Students

Growing a garden is an extremely long process and requires a great amount of effort and responsibility to maintain. Gardening for some provide a sense of enjoyment, relaxation, and a great opportunity to spend time with family members. Depending on the type of garden you choose to grow, the finished product can transform into a profit. So how does growing a garden relate to education? Well, how about starting a class garden at your school with your students? Teaching students the simple skills to have a green thumb would be a great class project. The concept of these basic skills will implement the core content areas, such as science, math, reading, social studies, and reading. Not only will the core subject areas be covered throughout the project, but your students will also be involved in becoming inquiry and project-based learners.

First of all, allow me to explain inquiry and project-based learning. Inquiry-based learning is one of the best methods for teaching students hands-on activities, and what better way to expose them by starting a garden. Students will collaborate with their peers, become comfortable with their natural curiosity to extend their learning from knowledge of basic facts to comprehending higher level questioning and thinking skills. Inquiry-based learning is the searching for the truth, information, or knowledge. It is a process derived from birth and continues on until death. It is also a learning that begins with gathering of information by using human senses, such as; seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, and smelling. Through this project, your students will also be introduced project-based learning.

Project-based learning is an instructional approach built upon genuine learning activities that engage student interest and motivation. These particular activities are designed to answer questions or solve a problem. Project-based learning builds on communication and presentation skills. It also focuses on organization and time management tools. Research and inquiry skills, self-assessment and reflections skills are more components students will be exposed to by project-based learning. Group participation, leadership skills and working towards a common goal will be introduced as well. Project-based learning can be used in the class to expose children to hands on learning.

I will end this post and allow you to soak up the information I have provided. Stay tuned for the upcoming blog on possible questions you can ask your students through this project.