We have a garden at our preschool, why would you not?
Gardening gives children an opportunity to work together, interact and be in a natural environment where they create their own work by imitating what adults do, and listening to their guidance. It is “work” and when children are working it is very important to let them do it themselves, it empowers them. Gardening fosters nurturing; children learn the importance of taking care of living things and natural resources.
Gardening activities make for great conversations, following step-by-step directions, and extended learning. The fun part is that children can also do many things on their own and feel successful in their accomplishments. For example when watering the children can go to the hose, turn it on, and put the water in the watering can, then proceed to watering the garden. Following directions, an adult can guide the children so they can learn how much water is needed.
Garden safety is important. At Creative Years we use tools that are child safe, yet still “the real thing”. Children learn to be responsible with the gardening tools when things are explained to them using words they can understand. They learn the proper way to use these tools with the guidance and supervision of their teachers. Also, no pesticides should be used, and when discussing plants always talk about the safety of tasting items that grow on the ground, or on bushes and trees so that children learn the fact that not everything is safe to eat.
Harvesting is the best part of gardening, seeing the results of your work. The children start by planting the seeds, watering them, seeing them grow and in the end harvesting and eating what they grew. What could be more rewarding? At Creative Years we have pumpkins and zucchini growing right now. The children are so excited to go visit the garden daily and see how well everything is growing. They can hardly wait until harvesting time!
Creative Years Infant Center and Preschool has been serving families in SCV for over 35 years. Call to schedule a tour at 661-254-0718 or visit our web site for a virtual tour and more information www.creativeyears.com. You can also find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/creativeyears.