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These days, we just don’t spend as much time outdoors.
Children are wired to be fascinated with nature, but it’s harder than ever for little ones to get out in green spaces.
It’s nobody’s fault, really. We could point to technology reliance, dense cities or the pandemic to explain why we’re not getting out as much.
But the good news is, you can reverse this trend. In your early education setting, one of the best ways to do this is by bringing your little ones out into the garden. Whether you're a veteran green thumb or just beginning with a humble patch of dirt, it's one of the most enriching outdoor activities you can give to children.
The simple fact is, a garden is a terrific teacher to have on your team. In this article, we’ll explore just why that is — and how you can get more gardening going in your own early education setting.
If you’re curious about which plants are best to grow with children, or why the little ones shouldn’t wear gardening gloves, you’ve come to the right place.
Ready? Let’s dig in.
It’s not just that gardening feels wholesome: We’ve got decades of research that suggests digging about in the dirt really is a great developmental experience for young children.
Here’s how a bit of gardening helps children connect with some of our most important early learning goals:
But it’s also important to mention that you don’t need a huge fancy plot to get these benefits. Something as simple as a window planter box or readymade indoor garden kits can bring green garden learning to wherever you are.
If you’re just getting started with gardening, the Royal Horticultural Society has plenty of resources to keep you going.
If the idea of gardening seems more appealing than it did a couple years ago, that’s not just you.
You’re feeling what researcher Keith Tidball calls a “biophilic response.” In a 2012 study, he found that people often turn to plants and green spaces when we’re recovering from stressful times — be that an earthquake, a war or a pandemic. Especially now, we could all use a bit of horticultural therapy.
Gardening suppliers have indeed seen a big uptick in sales the past few years, as many of us looked to get a home garden going during lockdown.
But why is it such a good idea to take up gardening in the midst of the pandemic?
Well, we can explain that a few different ways.
Right, so you’ve got your planting box all sorted. But what goes in it?
When it comes to gardening with young children, it’s best to start with plants that are pretty hardy, such as fruit trees, so you don’t need a veteran’s green thumb to get rewarding results. Children don’t always have the patience for slow-sprouting seedlings, and it’s always more fun to have some flowers or veggies to celebrate at the end of the season.
Please note: here at Famly we love sharing creative activities for you to try with the children at your setting, but you know them best. Take the time to consider adaptions you might need to make so these activities are accessible and developmentally appropriate for the children you work with. Just as you ordinarily would, conduct risk assessments for your children and your setting before undertaking new activities, and ensure you and your staff are following your own health and safety guidelines.
Find out below how Hungry Caterpillars got started with Famly so easily, and see what we can do for you in a personal demo.
“Famly’s been incredibly easy to roll out, we wouldn’t have taken so long to make our decision if we’d known. The system’s so straightforward that even after a day you’d know what you’re doing.” –Olivia, Director, Hungry Caterpillars
Find out below how Hungry Caterpillars got started with Famly so easily, and see what we can do for you in a personal demo.
Sign up nowFind out below how Hungry Caterpillars got started with Famly so easily, and see what we can do for you in a personal demo.
Sign up nowFind out below how Hungry Caterpillars got started with Famly so easily, and see what we can do for you in a personal demo.
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