Spring ‘24/Summer ‘24

GARDEN OF PEACE

Gan Shalom

May 1, 2024 - Research confirms what we at TBE already know. Gardening has a positive impact on a child’s learning, nutritional awareness, physical health, and mental and social well-being. The garden offers hands-on exploration of so many subjects, including science, math, art, literature, and history. Our garden is a research laboratory that helps children learn through trial and error and is a fun safe place to try new things. Just like it helps a child to eat healthier when they prepare and cook their own food, growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables also motivates the child to taste them and shows them a balanced diet. Gardening also offers children ample opportunities to get outdoors – walking, lifting, carrying, digging, and planting, as well as practicing balance and dexterity in a pleasant and engaging activity. 

Children who engage in group gardening develop feelings of pride and accomplishment. As a classroom works together to plant and care for a garden, children learn to communicate and work together collaboratively. These social-emotional skills are important for children to learn in order to be successful in school. 

Gardening also offers therapeutic benefits such as sensory input for calm, happy bodies and minds. When children get the right amount of sensory input, their bodies feel calmer and more organized to allow a state of joy and wonder. Planting helps to reduce stress and this gives the children more opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. 

Last but not least, gardening fosters a love for nature. When children learn about planting and gardening, they develop a relationship with nature. This ultimately helps them appreciate the natural world and all the creatures and plants that live in it (even the iguanas who sometimes invade our garden!). This appreciation can extend beyond the classroom and into their everyday lives. As they grow older, they may start to garden or take up other hobbies that involve nature.