Garden: A Nature Classroom for Kids

by Emily JohnsonOctober 24, 20245 minutes read

In this era of rapid technological development, children seem to be increasingly addicted to the virtual world of electronic screens and are drifting away from the real nature. However, when we turn our attention to gardening, we will be pleasantly surprised to find that there is a rich and colorful natural classroom hidden here, which can open a journey full of wonders and growth for children. Gardening is like a key that unlocks the door to the mysteries of nature for children. Let them regain their connection with nature and harvest endless knowledge and precious qualities in the process of touching the soil and cultivating plants with their own hands.

Gardening cultivates children's observation skills

Gardening activities can exercise children's observation skills.

●Observe the growth process of plants. Children can see how seeds germinate, how seedlings grow, how flowers bloom, and how fruits ripen. They will notice that the colors, shapes, and sizes of plants change over time. For example, a small mung bean seed will slowly grow tender green sprouts under suitable conditions. The sprouts will continue to grow taller and thicker, grow leaves, and eventually may bear full pods.

●Observe insects and small animals. There are often insects and small animals such as butterflies, bees, and earthworms in the garden. Children can observe their behavior and habits and understand their roles in the ecosystem. For example, bees are busy shuttling among flowers to collect nectar, butterflies are dancing gracefully, and earthworms are diligently loosening the soil in the soil.

●Observe seasonal changes. In different seasons, plants in the garden will have different manifestations. Children can feel the change of seasons and understand the laws of nature by observing the changes of plants. In spring, flowers are in full bloom and everything revives; in summer, plants are lush and full of vitality; in autumn, leaves turn yellow and fall, and fruits are abundant; in winter, some plants enter a dormant state.

Gardening stimulates children's curiosity.

Gardening can stimulate children's curiosity.

●Be curious about the mysteries of plants. Children will wonder why plants need sunlight, water, and soil to grow? Why do some plants bloom while others don't? Why are some flowers brightly colored while others are dull in color? For example, children may be curious about why sunflowers always face the direction of the sun and why cacti can survive in arid environments.

●Be curious about natural phenomena. In the process of gardening, children may encounter some natural phenomena such as the formation of rainwater, the role of wind, sunrise and sunset. These phenomena will arouse their curiosity and prompt them to explore the mysteries of nature. For example, after a rain, the plants in the garden become more vibrant, and children will be curious about how rainwater nourishes plants.

●Be curious about tools and materials. Gardening activities require the use of various tools and materials such as shovels, watering cans, seeds, fertilizers, etc. Children will be curious about the uses and usage methods of these tools and materials, thereby stimulating their desire to explore. For example, children will wonder how shovels dig soil and how watering cans water.

Gardening cultivates children's sense of responsibility.

Participating in gardening activities can teach children to take responsibility.

●The responsibility of taking care of plants. Children need to water, fertilize, weed, and remove pests from plants regularly to ensure their healthy growth. This allows them to learn to be responsible for their actions and cultivate their patience and perseverance. If children forget to water plants, the plants may wither, which will make them understand that their negligence will have consequences.

●The responsibility of protecting the environment. In gardening activities, children will understand the importance of environmental protection. They will learn to cherish natural resources, not waste water and soil, and not litter, and protect the ecological environment in the garden. For example, children will know that if they litter, it will destroy the beauty of the garden and may also affect the growth of plants.

●The responsibility of sharing. When plants mature, children can share the fruits, vegetables, and flowers they grow with family, friends, and neighbors. This allows them to learn to share and care for others and cultivate their social skills. For example, when children give the strawberries they grow to neighbors, they will feel the joy of sharing.

Gardening promotes children's creativity.

Gardening provides children with space to exert their creativity.

●Design the layout of the garden. Children can design the layout of the garden according to their own preferences and imaginations. They can choose different plant varieties and match different colors and shapes to create their own unique garden. For example, some children may design a garden dominated by red flowers, and some children may design a garden with a small bridge and flowing water.

●Make gardening decorations. Children can use waste items such as bottles, jars, and wooden boards to make gardening decorations such as flower pots, flower racks, and bird nests. This can not only exercise their hands-on ability but also cultivate their environmental awareness. For example, children can transform an old bottle into a beautiful flower pot and plant their favorite plants.

●Carry out creative activities. Children can carry out various creative activities in the garden, such as painting, photography, and writing. These activities can stimulate their creativity and imagination and allow them to better express their feelings about nature. For example, children can draw the most beautiful garden in their hearts or record the beautiful moments in the garden with a camera.

Conclusion

Gardening is like a magical treasure that brings endless surprises and harvests to children. Here, children are far away from the hustle and bustle of electronic devices and are immersed in the embrace of nature. Through observing the growth of plants, exploring the mysteries of nature, taking responsibility for taking care of plants, and exerting their creativity, children not only learn rich knowledge but also cultivate many excellent qualities. Let us actively encourage children to engage in gardening activities and let this natural classroom become a shining pearl on their growth path, illuminating their hopeful and beautiful future. In this vibrant classroom, children will grow up together with nature and write their own wonderful chapters.