Gardening and Reading
As a former reading specialist turned homeschooling parent, I quickly discovered the incredible value of
Before long, our collection of children's
During those early homeschooling years, my oldest son wanted to start a garden in our tiny backyard in Los Angeles. Given my history of killing anything green, I was apprehensive but determined to give him a garden to learn and grow in. Our first attempt at a vegetable bed ended in disaster, as I managed to kill everything. Undeterred, I turned to
In addition to reading, we began visiting local nurseries that offered gardening classes, bringing my kids along to learn with me. With these combined efforts, our next gardening attempt was a success. Our garden produced food, and so did our excitement to grow more food.
Gardening Benefits for Children
Gardening is a wonderful activity to share with kids, offering much more than just beautiful plants and tasty veggies.
Here are some fantastic benefits:
Responsibility and Patience: Watching kids learn to care for their plants teaches them responsibility and patience. They get to see firsthand that good things take time.
Hands-On Learning: Gardening is like a mini science lab in your backyard. Kids can learn about nature, biology, and even weather patterns while having fun.
Physical Activity: Digging, planting, and weeding are great ways for kids to get moving. It's a natural way to sneak in some exercise.
Healthy Eating Habits: There's something magical about eating veggies you've grown yourself. It encourages kids to try new foods and understand where their food comes from.
Mental Well-Being: Spending time outdoors and caring for plants can be incredibly soothing. It’s a great way to help kids relax and enjoy some quiet time.
Books: A Wonderful Starting Point
When it comes to introducing kids to gardening,
Reading about different plants, insects, and garden adventures can really spark a child's curiosity. As they learn about the fascinating world of gardening, their imagination will ignite, and they'll be eager to try new things and explore. This newfound interest can lead to a deeper appreciation for nature and a willingness to get hands-on with their garden projects.
Books also inspire creativity by providing a plethora of fun ideas for garden projects. Whether it's planting a rainbow garden or creating a whimsical fairy garden, the possibilities are endless. These creative projects not only make gardening more exciting for kids but also allow them to express themselves in unique ways.
Finally,
Incorporating
Essential Gardening Skills Taught Through
Here are some essential and useful things that you can focus on while learning to garden using
Understanding Plant Life Cycles:
Identifying Different Plants and Flowers: Learning to identify various plants and flowers is another key skill taught through
Basic Gardening Techniques:
Environmental Awareness: Gardening
Incorporating these essential skills into your gardening routine can lead to a more fruitful and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, there’s always something new to learn from the wealth of knowledge found in gardening
Key Topics to Focus On When Gardening with Kids
To make the experience even more enriching, consider focusing on a few key topics and picking out
Types of Gardens: Start by exploring the different types of gardens with your kids. Whether it’s a vegetable garden, flower garden, or herb garden, there are plenty of
Soil and Composting: Teaching kids about soil health and composting can be both educational and fun. Look for
Weather and Seasons: Understanding how different plants thrive in various weather conditions and seasons is essential. “The Curious Garden” by Peter Brown is a fantastic choice for children, as it tells the story of a boy who turns a dreary city into a lush garden.
Seed Starting: Starting plants from seeds is a magical experience for kids.
JOIN Create My Garden's 5 Day Reading Challenge
Activities to Activate the Learning Process of Gardening
Reading Together: Start by selecting engaging children's gardening
Seed Sorting and Classification: Turn learning into a game by using pictures and descriptions from your gardening
Creating a Mini Indoor Garden: Start small with indoor pots or window boxes. Choose easy-to-grow plants like herbs or flowers, and let them take charge of planting and watering.
Drawing and Labeling: Encourage creativity by having children draw plants and label their parts based on what they've learned. This activity reinforces their understanding of plant anatomy while allowing them to express their artistic side.
Tips for Parents: Steps for Success
Gardening can seem daunting if you’re new to it or if you’ve had a few unsuccessful attempts. But don’t worry! With a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, you and your kids can turn gardening into a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some friendly tips to help you get started:
ONE- Start Small: Begin with easy-to-grow plants and simple projects. There's no need to dive into a large-scale garden right away. Start with something manageable like growing herbs in a pot, planting a few flowers in a window box, or even trying out a small vegetable garden.
TWO- Learn Alongside Your Child: Make it a joint adventure in learning and discovery. Embrace the fact that you and your child are both new to this journey. Look at it as an opportunity to bond and explore together.
THREE- Use Resources: Rely on
FOUR- Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate every little success. Whether it’s the first sprout peeking out of the soil, a fully bloomed flower, or a handful of fresh herbs ready to be used in the kitchen, take time to celebrate these victories.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving garden and a lifetime of cherished memories with your kids. Remember, the goal is to have fun and learn together. So grab your gardening gloves, gather your family, and enjoy the wonderful journey of growing something beautiful.
For more Gardening with Kids connect with Alicia:
www.createmygarden.net
https://www.instagram.com/createmygarden/
https://www.facebook.com/CreateMyGarden/
https://www.youtube.com/@createmygarden
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Lisa Nehring and her husband, Dr. David Nehring, a Clinical Psychologist, and Biblical Scholar speak together on a wide variety of topics, including education, classical education, vision, mission, parenting, marriage, and more.
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