School gardens have become more popular in the last decade or so. Students at every level of schooling, from elementary to high school and beyond, can benefit from working in a school garden. Being around and working in a garden can promote healthy living, nutritious eating habits and a greater respect for nature as students get excited to harvest and taste the things they have had a hand in growing. These projects also include movement-related activities like lifting, carrying, digging, weeding and raking. And, because the gardens are outdoors, students leave the screens behind for a bit and get to enjoy nature.
Additionally, gardens provide educators with a real-world project to engage students. Garden projects are hands-on and inquiry-based, including learning opportunities in nearly every academic area.
The most successful school garden projects are those that involve planning by educators to integrate garden topics in the class. The garden should be considered an academic tool for what you are already teaching, not just a side project. Here are some ways to make connections between the garden and your classroom.