Spring is almost here, and we can’t wait to get our hands dirty! Playing in the mud, digging in the sand, or working with clay, tactile, sensory, and hands-on experiences are crucial for early childhood development.
Gardening is one of our favorite activities, and we’ve already planted broccolini, peas, celery, and cucumbers. At Juniper, we’ve even turned gardening into a fun learning experience with “Farmers Market Fridays,” where students harvest produce from our garden and “sell” it using class-designed currency. We eagerly await the harvest in early May!
Why gardening with your little ones is beneficial:
- Gardening engages all five senses and enhances fine motor development. From the feel of soil to the scent of herbs and the taste of fresh vegetables, sensory exploration in the garden is both enjoyable and educational. Plus, it helps develop fine motor skills as children handle seeds, seedlings, and plants.
- Gardening encourages healthy eating and instills environmental stewardship. Kids who understand the effort behind growing food appreciate farmers and learn to care for the Earth. Some even dream of becoming farmers themselves!
- Gardening involves science and math skills. From spacing seeds to calculating maturity days and monitoring water and sunlight requirements, gardening offers practical lessons in science and math in a hands-on way.
- Gardening teaches responsibility and patience. Caring for plants requires attention, commitment, and patience, valuable lessons for young minds. Waiting for plants to grow teaches children the importance of time and enjoying the process.
Gardening fosters curiosity, exploration, responsibility, and patience—all essential qualities for young learners. Let’s embrace the joys of gardening together!