Gardening with Preschoolers
We all know that a childs early years are a crucial time of
development and that
educational experiences during these first years significantly
influence the rest of their lives. Hands-on projects
like gardening that allow children to explore at their own
pace and engage in experiential learning have a high rate of
success.
Here we share some of the research that
points up the benefits of gardening with preschoolers, and
offers guidelines and resources for growing young children
in the
garden.
Lessons
and Activities
The
Pre-KinderGarden Things to consider and tips for getting
started with young children in the garden.
Plant
List for Pre-K Gardens An extensive selection of child-safe
plants that invite interaction and exploration.
Lesson:
Learning with Leaves use leaves as a
tool for practicing basic math skills.
Lesson:
Colors in the Garden
a matching game that encourages kids
to explore the diversity of nature's colors.
Web Resources
Growing a
Green Generation A curriculum for preschool
to kindergarten age children developed with input from both plant
professionals and experts in early childhood education. From the
University of New Hampshire's Department of Sustainable Horticulture.
Children's
Gardening Books The American Horticultural Society and Junior Master
Gardeners program recommends these classic garden-themed
titles for children.
Read some to stimulate your preschoolers' imaginations and garden
explorations.
NSTA's
Early Years A message board to help preschool educators introduce
young children to science concepts. There's even a thread offering
advice on encouraging teachers to use a new garden area!
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© 2009
National Gardening Association