School Gardens

A great holistic approach is starting a school garden.  Children participate and learn how organisms work through hands-on experiences.  School gardening has been shown to improve self-esteem, help students develop a sense of ownership and responsibility, help foster relationships with family members, students, and teachers, and increase parental involvement.

Students tend to learn more and better when they are actively involved in the learning process, a major theme in holistic education.  

   Research Supporting the Benefits of School Gardens 

Significantly increase science achievement scores.
Klemmer, C. D., T. M. Waliczek, and J. M. Zajicek. 2005. Growing minds: The effect of a school gardening program on the science achievement of elementary students. HortTechnology15(3):448-452.

Improve social skills and behavior.
- DeMarco, L., P. D. Relf, and A. McDaniel. 1999. Integrating gardening into the elementary school curriculum. HortTechnology 9(2):276-281.

Instill appreciation and respect for nature that lasts into adulthood. 
Lohr, V.I. and C.H. Pearson-Mims. 2005. Children’s active and passive interactions with plants influence their attitudes and actions toward trees and gardening as adults. HortTechnology. 15(3): 472-476.

Increase interest in eating fruits and vegetables and improve attitude toward fruits and vegetables. 
Pothukuchi, K. 2004. Hortaliza: A Youth “Nutrition Garden” in Southwest Detroit. Children, Youth and Environments 14(2):124-155

Have a positive impact on student achievement and behavior. 
- Blair, D. (2009). The child in the garden: an evaluative review of the benefits of school gardening. Journal of Environmental Education 40(2), 15-38.

http://www.kidsgardening.org/

Gardening for myself is therapy.  I engage in the activity and look forward to growing and nourishing a life-form that will in return sustain me.  Gardening gives me a greater appreciation of the complex nature of plants, the importance of organic, and fosters collaboration because I seldom garden alone.  Integrating a school garden into a school's curriculum is such a beautiful and meaningful experience that will have ever lasting affects on children.  As obesity is growing at exponential speeds, children can begin to understand the importance and value of eating healthy and taking good care of their bodies.  In addition, children respond well to outdoor activities and become extremely excited when they have the chance to see something they've nurtured grow.