Gardening: some people love it - some people hate it. For those that love it, they are generally happier and healthier due to the benefits it provides. They may not want to admit it is a beneficial hobby, but take a look:
However, I wanted to find out from teachers in the classroom if this is something that they do. After putting out some feelers I was fortunate enough to get in touch with 5th grade science teacher from High Shoals Elementary School, Linda Cooper.
According to Linda she incorporates a garden in the teachings of different types of plants. Linda, who also taught 1st and 3rd grade, (I teach 1st & 2nd graders part time, so I know how difficult that age group can be at times with the amount of energy they have), says that in the lower grades, lessons include learning about the parts of the plant, seed sprouting, the plants basic needs, plant life cycles and the effects that over population or scarcity of plants has on communities. "A garden can give students more experience teaching these items," says Linda.
As well as teaching science, Linda also runs the 5th grade environment club which currently has 20 students that have built raised beds for the purpose of growing fruits and vegetables. "Our students are also getting ready to start up a greenhouse that was purchased for our school."
* In addition to the canning mentioned above, money is also saved when herbs are grown and dried for winter use. Herbs and spices can be very expensive, especially for those who use a lot in their cooking. Chives, dill, oregano, thyme, marjoram and garlic are just a few of the herbs that can be preserved for winter use.
Beyond getting the students excited about growing their fruits and veggies, her hopes are that the older 5th grade students become as passionate about vegetable gardening as she is and they assist with teaching the younger students their new learned skills.
Linda also believes she can incorporate the economic impact a vegetable gardening can have and has laid out future plans to teach students vegetable gardening combined with math as it relates to purchasing equipment, supplies and being able to either sell what you grow, or calculate what you can save by avoiding paying the grown vegetables in stores. Yet another valuable lesson combined with vegetable gardening.
However, I wanted to find out from teachers in the classroom if this is something that they do. After putting out some feelers I was fortunate enough to get in touch with 5th grade science teacher from High Shoals Elementary School, Linda Cooper.
According to Linda she incorporates a garden in the teachings of different types of plants. Linda, who also taught 1st and 3rd grade, (I teach 1st & 2nd graders part time, so I know how difficult that age group can be at times with the amount of energy they have), says that in the lower grades, lessons include learning about the parts of the plant, seed sprouting, the plants basic needs, plant life cycles and the effects that over population or scarcity of plants has on communities. "A garden can give students more experience teaching these items," says Linda.
As well as teaching science, Linda also runs the 5th grade environment club which currently has 20 students that have built raised beds for the purpose of growing fruits and vegetables. "Our students are also getting ready to start up a greenhouse that was purchased for our school."
* In addition to the canning mentioned above, money is also saved when herbs are grown and dried for winter use. Herbs and spices can be very expensive, especially for those who use a lot in their cooking. Chives, dill, oregano, thyme, marjoram and garlic are just a few of the herbs that can be preserved for winter use.
Beyond getting the students excited about growing their fruits and veggies, her hopes are that the older 5th grade students become as passionate about vegetable gardening as she is and they assist with teaching the younger students their new learned skills.
Linda also believes she can incorporate the economic impact a vegetable gardening can have and has laid out future plans to teach students vegetable gardening combined with math as it relates to purchasing equipment, supplies and being able to either sell what you grow, or calculate what you can save by avoiding paying the grown vegetables in stores. Yet another valuable lesson combined with vegetable gardening.
About the Author:
How to Hire an Effective DUI Lawyer Dismiss DUI Charges Filed Against You With Criminal DUI Lawyers
