RESEARCH

Horticultural Activity Program for Improving Emotional Intelligence, Prosocial Behavior, and Scientific Investigation Abilities and Attitudes in Kindergarteners

This study evaluates the impact of a 24-session horticultural activity program on kindergarteners’ emotional intelligence, prosocial behavior, and scientific inquiry skills.

Program Types: Therapeutic, Social

Population Groups: Children/Youth

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Horticultural Knowledge

Allied Profession Intersections: Education

Type of Activity: Nature-Based Arts & Crafts, Growing Plants from Seed, Environmental Education

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Free

Print Form

Summary

The study involved 336 children aged 5–7 from public and private kindergartens in Incheon, South Korea, who participated in weekly gardening activities over six months. Activities included planting, watering, making eco-friendly fertilizer, observing insects, and cooking with harvested produce. Results showed significant improvements in emotional intelligence, particularly in emotional regulation, social skills, and impulse control. Children also exhibited greater prosocial behaviors, such as helping, sharing, and cooperation.

Additionally, participation in the program enhanced scientific inquiry skills, including observation, classification, and measurement abilities. Both teachers and parents reported high satisfaction, noting that the program fostered curiosity, teamwork, and a connection to nature. The study supports integrating gardening into early childhood education to promote social, emotional, and cognitive development

Link

Park, S.-A., Cho, M.-K., Yoo, M. H., Kim, S.-Y., Im, E.-A., Song, J.-E., Lee, J.-C., & Jun, I. G. (2016). Horticultural Activity Program for Improving Emotional Intelligence, Prosocial Behavior, and Scientific Investigation Abilities and Attitudes in Kindergarteners. HortTechnology, 26(6), 754–761.

Other Recommended Research

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

Gardening can help people with dementia feel more active, connected, and less lonely by improving their physical and mental well-being. The article highlights the need for more accessible gardening programs in the community to support social engagement and a better quality of life.

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise

This thesis examines how a gardening-based social enterprise helps people of all abilities by providing meaningful work, social connections, and a sense of belonging. While it highlights the benefits of inclusion and community participation, it also points out challenges like funding and governance that need to be addressed for long-term success.

RESEARCH

Horticultural Activity Program for Improving Emotional Intelligence, Prosocial Behavior, and Scientific Investigation Abilities and Attitudes in Kindergarteners

Summary

Link

Other Recommended Research

Fruit-Themed Opening or Closing Round

Assess the Environment and the Self

Garden Harvest Walk

‘Into the Wild’: A meta-synthesis of talking therapy in natural outdoor spaces

‘The nourishing soil of the soul’: The role of horticultural therapy in promoting well-being in community-dwelling people with dementia

“Connecting people and the earth”: the occupational experience of people with different capabilities participating in an inclusive horticultural social enterprise