Garden Love
At Padua, we don't simply purchase a garden, lay down synthetic grass, and call it a day. The children engage with every aspect of the garden – the soil, the authentic experiences, the ups and downs. They observe bugs feasting on our berries and revel in the ongoing success of growing endless zucchinis! It's a genuine experience for us each day, in the real world.
Our outdoor environment fosters essential skills like problem-solving & risk negotiation critical for child development. Engaging in gardening offers numerous benefits for children and their growth. While we focus on staying updated on educational milestones, Padua embraces a traditional approach to outdoor play areas, resisting the need for perfection.
Children flourish in natural surroundings, enjoying the freedom it offers. Discovering rocks to turn for bugs, soil to dig, and leaves perfect for mud pies, children thrive in the garden where nature wraps around us during each changing season in each kinder day.
Outdoor play is an essential part of a child’s daily environment and life, not an option or an extra. Real contact with the real elements, seasons & the natural world, the range of perspectives, sensations & environments, multi-dimensional & multi-sensory, the daily change, uncertainty, surprise & excitement all contribute to the desire young children have to be outside ♡
The importance of gardening in young children's lives cannot be overstated. Engaging in gardening activities offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond the mere act of planting seeds and tending to plants. For young children, gardening serves as a hands-on educational tool that introduces them to the wonders of nature and the basics of biology. It provides them with a sense of responsibility as they care for living things, fostering patience and nurturing skills.
Moreover, gardening can be a great way for children to develop fine motor skills through tasks such as digging, planting, and watering. It encourages outdoor play and physical activity, which are crucial for healthy development. The sensory experiences of touching soil, smelling flowers, and observing the growth process can also be incredibly stimulating and therapeutic.
Socially, gardening can bring families and communities together.
Children learn teamwork and cooperation when they garden with others, and they can take pride in contributing to a shared project. It also opens up conversations about environmental stewardship and sustainability, teaching the next generation the importance of caring for our planet.
Emotionally, the act of nurturing plants can be very rewarding and can significantly boost a child's self-esteem and confidence. Watching their efforts come to fruition in the form of blooming flowers or ripe vegetables gives them a sense of accomplishment and can instill a lifelong love of nature.
In essence, gardening is a multifaceted activity that supports the holistic development of young children, making it an invaluable part of their growth and learning journey.
