Gardening in the Classroom

Welcome to Wholistic Teaching: this is actually my very first post for this blog. I have another blog called Dr. G. Effective Classroom that was in the works some years ago. Blogging is somewhat new to me, but I have years of experience and knowledge to share. I hope readers will find my blog informative and fun.

Gardening in the Classroom!

 For years I have implemented yoga, meditation, and guided visual imagery activities with my students as methods for reducing frustration and anger. Although they are effective, I needed something that would provide a sensory outlet for my students. For the last two years, I have been teaching about healthy foods and exercising with my students, and this led to gardening.  Students have enjoyed growing and harvesting veggies and eating them. 

Here is a look at we are doing.

 We started out with geminating seeds in a glove and recording observations.

Then we built our raised garden beds, planted seedling, gave good care, and reaped the labor of our work! We have grown mustard, turnips, collard greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, radish, squash, green beans, and other yummy veggies. 

Benefits of a class gardening project:

• Students can plan and work together while improve their social skills.
• The project is therapeutic and socially engaging for cooperative learning activities.
• Students learn how to produce healthy alternatives for eating and increase sustainability awareness. 

Tell me what you think. I would love to read your comments.