Kids in the Garden
Being part of a community garden gives kids and their families opportunities to be active together, get outdoors, and develops a sense of belonging to the community.
What could be better than exploring a community garden setting, digging in the dirt, planting vegetables and flowers, and meeting new friends? “Kids in the Garden” is an opportunity for pre-schoolers to have fun outdoors, to help kids connect with plants while encouraging them to explore the wonders of the natural world. The Children get to explore the Community Garden using their five senses and participate in seasonal gardening activities; there is a variety of interesting activities children can be involved in, such as planting, mulching, weeding and cooking, storytelling, and garden-themed art projects. Activities are designed for caregivers to attend and participate with their child.
Gardening is a healthy, fun activity for children and helps to engage them with growing food and healthy eating. Gardening is relevant in that it shows kids how plants grow and where their food comes from. Gardening is a fun, engaging way to teach the skills they are already supposed to be learning all while exploring their local Community Garden.
“Kids in the Garden” is a free fun preschool activity offered weekly during all weather, having fun outdoors is the best way to keep your kids healthy and active. Tea/ Coffee and healthy snacks are available each session. Keeping the garden organic makes it safer for kids to pick, smell, touch and taste the plants, helps develop their senses and language through questioning and wondering about the living world of plants and small creatures. Kids get a chance to roam and explore in a natural environment. Not only do they get to gain knowledge of plants, wildlife and value the environment, they also get to plan, build and invent with loose parts and structures within the garden.
Including children in the planning and working process to maintain a shared garden space develops:
- a sense of ownership and understanding of the world around them
- respect and concern for the environment and wildlife
- recycling and minimising waste by composting, mulching and worm farming
- decision making and problem solving
- communication and social skills to make new friends
- the value of cooperating with other people and the community they live in.
