In my experience, gardening with young children isn’t nearly as romantic in practice as most people think. Yes, it’s fun; and yes, there are moments of wonder and discovery. But gardening with a group of young children, many of who would rather be playing than following careful instructions, is seldom as calm, intentional, or controlled as most teachers hope it will be. Instead, it’s about seeds being scattered in clumps and piles. It’s about far too much water being poured in one spot and next-to-no water reaching another. It’s about digging holes, but then getting tired and demanding that someone else finish the job. It’s about plants being dug up to see the progress at the other end. Or green cherry tomatoes being pulled off the vine and squashed or tossed at each other, for fun.
Gardening with Children
- April 6, 2017