FRESH FROM THE GARDEN: The Learning Garden is a unique place that is so many things to so many children. The beauty of our garden here at Explorer is the diversity and flexibility of it, if you will.
There are plots dedicated to serving the hot lunch program…there are “pizza gardens” growing, Native Kumeyaay plant gardens, butterfly gardens, and ancestor plots where children learn about what their ancestors grew according to continent. There are co-operative gardens grown for donation to the San Diego Food Bank, and a new school-wide composting project is breaking ground today that will reduce the waste produced at recess and lunch.
When the children are in the garden, they are free to let their minds rest in nature. They find happiness in the soil, amidst the plants and trees. It fills my heart to watch how much joy a worm or a germinating seed gives them. They write elaborate descriptions and predictions in their field journals and marvel at the outcomes of their projects. They cook, they create…they do math and science. They take snippets of sage or lavender with them to remember their expereince as they leave. They’ve even made a hollow between two native bushes and use it as a quiet reading space.
These examples of how the garden grows is why I am thrilled to be the new Garden Coordinator in our “outdoor classroom”. I have volunteered in the garden for four years and feel very confident in the curriculum.
There is so much going on in the garden, and so much more to come in order to bring the garden to its full potential. Check out the garden blog next week for more information.
I am collaborating with Jean Kluver on the possibility of a “Garden Club” that will meet at recess and afterschool. This club with be a HUGE help…especially when it comes to the everyday maintanence of the beds. Should your child be interested, stay tuned for more information. Huge thanks to the High Tech High Middle Media Arts students who came down to help clean up the garden the week before Thanksgiving break. They cut out dead bushes, cleaned out beds, planted trees and helped rebuild cages. Also, thank you to Chris Patterson (master composter and Ivan Patterson’s dad) for his help, his knowledge and expertise. I am ever grateful!
