This
month . . .
Peace Gardens: Cultivating
Understanding
In
January,
schools across the nation celebrated Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day by learning about
this great man and the powerful and peaceful
civil rights movement he led. To extend these
explorations, school gardeners and habitat stewards
can integrate peaceful ideals and conflict resolution
in garden-related activities. But how do you
link plants to peace?
Because
every living thing depends on plants for basic needs – air,
food, shelter, clothing, even water – they can serve
as a clear symbol, even to young children, of how all living
things are connected. It also points out the importance
of preserving
the living systems and cycles that plants – and therefore,
we – depend on. Working with plants in a school garden, habitat
or an indoor GrowLab gives students the opportunity to experience
and grasp these complex concepts first hand.
We hear
regularly from educators that their students experience the
nuts and bolts of peace – good communication and healthy
interaction – when they work together in the garden. They
tell us that kids with diverse backgrounds and abilities
quickly develop social skills such as cooperation, sharing,
and leadership, and forge friendships that didn’t previously
exist on the playground.
Students
show ownership and pride in the green oases they create.
By sharing their passion with other classes, their families,
and the community, they discover a new way to connect
with others. In their growing spaces they can create messages
of peace – perhaps through the layout of the garden, plant
choices, sculpture, contemplative spaces – and then share
these special places with visitors.
In this
month’s issue of Kids Garden News, we share stories of successful
school
peace gardens and habitats, activities to help your students
connect plants to peace, and resources to help your school
develop a green place at your school that is devoted to peace,
communication, and conflict resolution.
NGA offers
funds and resources to
help
educators launch and
sustain
learning gardens. Check out these two to see if they address
your needs:
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