Gardening with Young Children

Book excerpt: Explore the unique and expansive learning opportunities offered by gardening with children Gardens are where children’s imaginations engage nature, and the result is joyful learning. Gardening helps children develop an appreciation for the natural world and build the foundation for environmental stewardship. This book is packed with information and inspiration to help you immerse children in gardening and outdoor learning experiences—green thumb or a perfect plot of land not required. Learn how a gardening curriculum supports learning and development across all domains. You’ll also find heaps of suggestions for planning, planting, and caring for a garden suited to your unique setting, such as container gardens, raised beds, in-ground gardens, gardens grown vertically on a wall or fence, and even rooftop gardens. Cultivate children’s wonder and appreciation for nature. This book provides More than 60 hands-on learning activities for children of all ages to explore plants and garden creatures Vibrant photographs and classroom stories describing showcasing great programs from around the country New content reflecting childhood issues and gardening trends that have surfaced in recent years, including concerns that children are becoming alienated from nature, and that childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic Resources to help your garden flourish, seed and garden supply lists, information on poisonous plants, and books about gardens and garden creatures