Gardening has been an important part of civilized society. It’s only in the recent years of our modern civilization that we have ditched growing our own food for other vocations. The results of it all are that we have strayed further from nature and her bounty.
Now, we are not asking everyone to take up farming jobs, but what we can do is at least give our children the option to take up gardening as a profession. Think about it; our education system doesn’t really make gardening a viable career option for kids. Not anymore. Many schools are now introducing a year-round gardening program to teach kids the essentials of living a wholesome life.
The Waldorf School In Cape Cod Introduced A Greenhouse Inside School Campus
The school authorities have constructed a 24 by 48 ft greenhouse. All the students and teachers are involved in taking care of the plants inside. The students are taught how to plant a seed, take care of it, and the many benefits of such a sustainable lifestyle. The greenhouse features a roof that’s removable. During summer, the roof is removed to avoid any overheating.
All the students are required to devote a part of their time learning the process of gardening every year. However, students in third-grade work in the greenhouse on a weekly basis. The tiny students are in charge of composting lunch leftovers. The latest update in the greenhouse is a worm-bed to make vermicompost.
The Waldorf School also provides family gardening sessions during summer vacations.
Charlton Manor Primary School In London Introduces Gardening To Encourage Teamwork Amongst Students
Tim Baker, the school headteacher, said that he decided to introduce gardening after he read a report stating that modern children lacked the knowledge of farming. He transformed a piece of the unused area to start a lovely garden.
Baker added that he wanted to teach kids why vegetables and fruits are important. He said that showing them how food was grown would be more stimulating for the students. Baker further said that gardening also opens up many other fields of interest. Those include adaptation, creative writing, teamwork, report writing, and an understanding of life cycles.
Not just that, but within a short period of four years, the school has noticed a significant change in the school’s atmosphere. Many kids who were deemed difficult were showing higher maturity levels.
Baker explained that gardening improves a child’s behavior as they understand the notion of responsibility. Whatever is grown in the garden is later sold from the student-run school shop. The revenue generated is then used to buy supplies and tools for the garden.
Gardening Is An Effective Way To Build A Harmonious Community
School gardening has proved effective in promoting a healthy diet, physical activity, and greater teamwork. It brings the community together. FoodCorps is one of the biggest organizations that provides cooking and gardening lessons to 350 schools across the U.S.
There are around 5,000 operational school gardens in America right now.
