The children came to school ready to play and make friends. We focused a lot on learning names and getting to know one another. We also focused on learning the routine of Room 4. It went great! The children explored all of the areas indoors and outdoors.
Today we will highlight the garden box outdoors as an area of our environment.
It is an area that involves as much planning as other areas in the classroom. We would like to involve the children in its planning, care, and upkeep. We would also like to involve families if you would like to be involved!
(keep reading below the photo for more on gardening)
Children learn a lot from gardening. They learn spatial concepts when planning where to put seeds and plants. They learn science when they learn how much water and sun plants need. They learn about how the earth and soil supports the growth of plants. Children gain important social skills when they take the responsibility to plant in the garden and care for plants. Children also learn the names of plants and may read them on garden markers (language/literacy). Children may learn where food comes from, too, which can promote a healthy lifestyle and nutrition choices.
Here are the things children said they wanted to plant in the garden when we asked them today during small group:
Giovanni: Purple flowers
Wyatt: Blackberries
Thomas: Pumpkins to make a jack-o-lantern
Myla: Eggs
Peter: Blue flowers
Julian: Big flowers like sunflowers
Mia: Carrots
Esperanza: Pink flowers
Lauren: Pink roses and watermelons
Charlotte: Roses
Alexis: Pumpkins
Connor: Pumpkins
August: Rice
Addie: Applies, oranges, peaches
Tremon: Red flowers
Sidney: Carrots
Isla: Red flowers
As you can see, our garden definitely does not have much in it after the summer. We have some rosemary, but that is about it. If any of you are interested in contributing to the growth of our garden, please speak with a teacher in Room 4. We can plan with you what may help us (time, seeds, plants, etc…). Thank you!