GRO Learning Gardens
Resources you may find helpful
We've curated a short list of organizations, contact information, and research that you may find helpful in designing and implementing a learning garden project.
Edible Schoolyard Project
The Edible Schoolyard Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the transformation of public education by using organic school gardens, kitchens, and cafeterias to teach both academic subjects and the values of nourishment, stewardship, and community. Edible education provides hands-on experiences that connect students to food, nature, and each other; and it systematically addresses the crises of climate change, public health, and social inequality. At its heart is a dynamic and joyful learning experience for every child. Please visit the site (https://edibleschoolyard.org) for Edible Education Curricula https://edibleschoolyard.org/edible-education-curricula
Project Learning Tree
Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12.
Balancing Outdoor Learning and Play
Recognizing the inherent value in outdoor play and learning for young children, we focused upon the practices and perspectives of adults at an early childhood center as the outdoor play areas were transformed into outdoor classrooms. A salient finding emerging from the data exhibited a gap between constructivist child-led theories of play and learning and the changing needs for greater adult-led learning in the altered outdoor environment. Disparate attitudes towards greater adult intervention in children's play existed between parents, teachers, and administrators, as children and staff transitioned and acclimated to the new outdoor classroom. Using ethnographically grounded data collection, researchers interpret these findings to suggest that while teachers maintain a strong preference for child-led learning, the changing outdoor space requires increased adult-led activities and intentional environmental education goals and training.
Health benefits of gardening
Speaking of health, here is a list of all the myriad benefits of getting our hands dirty- from exercise to reduced stress to social connections!
Teaching and modeling of sustainable practices in K–12 schools.
The Center for Ecoliteracy supports improving student outcomes by supoprting diverse student voices, histories, learning styles, and values into their classrooms. Culturally relevant teaching leads to students, especially students of color, having more academic success, increased engagement, and better attendance. By providing culturally-relevant farm to school education, we can connect students to local agriculture and encourage students to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
Learn about GRO.UND a Gro Learning Garden Project
