We’re all aware of the benefits of fresh air and the outdoors, but did you know involving children in simple gardening practices has a range of benefits too? Gardening can benefit children of all ages as it provides a great opportunity for children to learn, and equips them with critical skills which can help them in other areas of their lives. Below are some of the main benefits children can experience by helping out in the garden.
Sensory Exploration
Gardening can heighten all senses in children. They can feel the dirt, flowers, fruit, leaves and seeds, see the vibrant colours and sizes of plants, hear the sound of leaves rustling and fruit/vegetables being picked and smell the flowers, fruits and herbs fresh. Best of all, they can taste the outcome of their hard work! By engaging all five senses, gardening can help children to better understand the process of gardening and where their food comes from.
Responsibility
Undertaking a gardening project can teach responsibility to children, as they learn that it is their job to take care of their seeds and plants each day in order for them to be healthy. By creating a checklist for children to run through each day, they can get a better understanding of the role they play in taking care of plants.
Motor Skill Development
Gardening requires children to practice and hone in on their fine motor skills. Planting seeds, scooping dirt and watering plants all help to improve motor skills, which can in term help to improve their concentration and learning capabilities.
Our Kookaburras children have been enjoying the opportunity to plant, care and hopefully soon harvest their very own vegetable garden. Before our children were introduced to planting their own garden, we each grew our very own grass head, we were taught how to care for and maintaining the grass.
We look forward to sharing with you when our first crop of vegetables are ready to be taste tested.
