The People's Garden
Preventing Obesity and Promoting Wellness in Early Childhood Settings Module 4, Lesson 12
The People’s Garden ACTIVITIES Student Teacher: Learn more about plants so you are able to introduce them to children. • Visit a local garden center. • Choose and photograph at least three different plants that will add to the sensory value of children’s play spaces. • Learn some things about each plant: how to care for it, the growing conditions it requires and, if it is edible, the ways it can be prepared. • Talk to an employee or plant expert to be sure the plant is non-toxic and appropriate for a children’s garden. • Write a description of each plant and why you chose it. Teacher: Visit a garden and immerse yourself in the nature. Any interpretation of a garden, such as a botanical garden, backyard, or community vegetable garden will work. • First, sit quietly for at least ten minutes. • Next, begin journaling about your thoughts. • Consider what your inner scientist is pushing you towards . . . what questions do you have? • Think about how your sense of wonder is engaged . . . how do you feel? • Consider which elements of the space are impacting your experience. • Reflect on the aspects of the setting that you can translate to your school environment.
www.ChildCareExchange.com • (800) 221-2864 17725 NE 65th Street, B-275, Redmond, WA 98052
1
Preventing Obesity and Promoting Wellness in Early Childhood Settings Director and Staff: Think about the small steps your program can take to enhance children’s healthy choices, both through eating and being physically active.
Action Step Choose a logical place for you to start and create or enact one enhancement.
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS: • How does adding a gardening component to your program enhance your curriculum? • What values do you hope to instill through intentionally adding gardening and more nature to your program? • What ways can you involve families and your community in these efforts? • What can you do to enhance your gardening efforts over time and increase the sustainability of your projects?
www.ChildCareExchange.com • (800) 221-2864 17725 NE 65th Street, B-275, Redmond, WA 98052
2
The People’s Garden ACTIVITIES Student Teacher: Learn more about plants so you are able to introduce them to children. • Visit a local garden center. • Choose and photograph at least three different plants that will add to the sensory value of children’s play spaces. • Learn some things about each plant: how to care for it, the growing conditions it requires and, if it is edible, the ways it can be prepared. • Talk to an employee or plant expert to be sure the plant is non-toxic and appropriate for a children’s garden. • Write a description of each plant and why you chose it. Teacher: Visit a garden and immerse yourself in the nature. Any interpretation of a garden, such as a botanical garden, backyard, or community vegetable garden will work. • First, sit quietly for at least ten minutes. • Next, begin journaling about your thoughts. • Consider what your inner scientist is pushing you towards . . . what questions do you have? • Think about how your sense of wonder is engaged . . . how do you feel? • Consider which elements of the space are impacting your experience. • Reflect on the aspects of the setting that you can translate to your school environment.
www.ChildCareExchange.com • (800) 221-2864 17725 NE 65th Street, B-275, Redmond, WA 98052
1
Preventing Obesity and Promoting Wellness in Early Childhood Settings Director and Staff: Think about the small steps your program can take to enhance children’s healthy choices, both through eating and being physically active.
Action Step Choose a logical place for you to start and create or enact one enhancement.
DISCUSSION/REFLECTION QUESTIONS: • How does adding a gardening component to your program enhance your curriculum? • What values do you hope to instill through intentionally adding gardening and more nature to your program? • What ways can you involve families and your community in these efforts? • What can you do to enhance your gardening efforts over time and increase the sustainability of your projects?
www.ChildCareExchange.com • (800) 221-2864 17725 NE 65th Street, B-275, Redmond, WA 98052
2
