Stepping outside the classroom to answer a question, plant seeds, or observe insects on flowers not only adds variety to the curriculum, but also motivates many students who are less engaged in the usual class routines. When students have the opportunity to ask their own questions about things that interest them and discover the answers, they are taking vital steps to becoming lifelong learners. He works with students to prepare a garden bed for each classroom to plant and nurture, and helps other teachers see how garden projects tie into standards in areas such as math, science, and writing. That allows for easier crowd control and creates more teachable moments. He recalls a girl from Somalia who was having difficulty cooperating in the classroom.
Gardens offer a place where kids can discover themselves.
Build partnerships Sutton encourages schools to build collaborations with community resources, which might include university extension, youth groups, garden clubs, botanical gardens, or business sponsors. Have clear rules Olson starts building good work and safety habits with first-graders. He delights in seeing older students coach younger ones not to trample growing plants or harm insects, to clean up as they go, to use tools safely. Think year-round Depending on local weather conditions, school gardens can offer opportunities for learning across all seasons. In Alaska and Montana, some schools use greenhouses or raised beds to extend the short growing season.