Smart Blog on Education – Julia Parker-Dickinson
“Most people aren’t aware, but school gardens grow much more than vegetables and fruits. Youth gardens grow engaged and active learners by addressing the physical and social well-being of children as well as their need for mastery of academic subjects. Just like a flower planted in a garden, children have basic needs that must be met before they can really flourish in the school environment. When students eat healthful foods, engage in physical activity and experience positive social interactions with peers and their community, classroom behaviors and overall academic performance improve. School gardens allow educators to not only teach about healthy lifestyle choices, but to demonstrate and give children the opportunity to practice healthy habits. By modeling nutritious food choices and placing value on physical activity and positive social interactions, educators can use the garden as a tool to cultivate behaviors and ways of thinking in children that will impart lifelong benefits.”(more)