RESEARCH

The Seeds of Learning: Young Children Develop Important Skills Through Their Gardening Activities at a Midwestern Early Education Program

This case study explored how preschool and kindergarten children develop various skills through hands-on gardening and greenhouse activities in a model outdoor classroom. The findings indicate that these activities enable children to communicate knowledge, manage emotions, and develop crucial skills like initiative, literacy, math, and science.

Program Types: Social

Population Groups: Children/Youth

Setting or Context: Schools/Educational Settings

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Enhanced Emotional Well-being, Improved Stress Management, Improved Cognitive Function, Increased Social Engagement & Skills, Increased Horticultural Knowledge, Increased Self-Efficacy

Allied Profession Intersections: Education

Type of Activity: Outdoor Gardening, Edible Plant Gardening, Growing Plants from Seed

Evidence Type: Case Studies, Qualitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Program Effectiveness

Access: Paid

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Summary

This case study explores the learning experiences of preschool and kindergarten children engaged in hands-on gardening and greenhouse activities within a model outdoor classroom. Using teachers as co-researchers, the study aimed to understand the skills children develop through these activities. Data was collected through teachers’ “nature notes” documenting children’s interactions, children’s drawings and work from their garden experiences, and focus group interviews with teachers to gather stories about children’s learning in the outdoor classroom.

The findings suggest that gardening and greenhouse activities provide opportunities for young children to communicate their knowledge about the world, express and manage emotions, and develop important skills such as initiative, self-confidence, literacy, math, and science skills. The study highlights the value of connecting children with nature to foster their overall development and prepare them for success in school and beyond, countering the trend of children becoming increasingly disconnected from the natural world.

Link

Miller, D. L. (2007). The Seeds of Learning: Young children develop important skills through their gardening activities at a Midwestern early education program. Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 6(1), 49–66.

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