Our children are spending entirely too much time on devices, which is harmful in so many ways (The Effects of Technology on Young Children). I believe that one of the greatest gifts we can give young children is the opportunity to work with their hands in creative ways. From woodworking to tinkering to cooking to painting, there are so many ways that little hands can find joy in being a maker. As early childhood professionals, we have the power to create engaging opportunities in our learning environments that support hands-on creativity without technology.
The calendar says it’s spring, but the snow in my backyard makes me think otherwise. This week, on April 22nd, we celebrate Earth Day. It’s the perfect time to teach young children the joy of literally getting their hands dirty! Gardening with young children is an amazing way to help them be stewards of the earth while having fun.
While I don’t necessarily need a goal in mind when planning for young children, it is important to understand what young children are learning through the engaging experiences we provide in our learning environments. When children garden, they learn:
about the plant life cycle, the proper conditions needed for a plant to grow & where its food comes from (Science).
early numeracy skills: measuring, counting, and sorting (Math)
hands-on exploration of texture, scents, and taste (Sensory)
planting seeds, watering plants, and harvesting (Fine Motor)
digging, carrying watering containers & baskets of veggies (Gross Motor)
waiting for plants to grow all in different timeframes (Patience)
caring for something other than themselves (Responsibility)
Language, Social, and Executive Function Skills: Listening to understand, advocating for needs, problem solving, flexible thinking, and impulse control.
Gardening is a hands-on skill that is inexpensive and can be done almost anywhere. Reach out to a local gardening club to see if they are willing to volunteer to help your program create a community garden. Put an ad in your local community newspaper requesting donations of gardening tools and containers. Stop by your garden supply or hardware store to see if they can provide soil and seeds at a discounted price. Make friends with a local landscaping company that can drop off mulch to help keep the weeds to a minimum. Don’t forget to involve the families in your program, as gardening is an amazing way to create a sense of belonging.
Ready to get your hands dirty? Check out the resources below:
