Kindergarten Classes Work on Gardening Skills

May 7, 2021

Academics

GNS

As part of their Unit of Inquiry into Sharing the Planet, the Kindergarten classes have been developing their understanding of our local environment and the plants and animals with whom we share it.

The students have been investigating ways to take action in caring for our environment, learning about the 4Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle and refuse) with Mr. Bowers, and applying this knowledge to sorting the garbage that they find and collect on the Kindergarten beach.

In addition, Kindergartners have been learning to identify native plant species during their weekly Nature School outings. As a culmination to this inquiry, Mrs. Johnson visited with them, teaching them how to make seed balls!

Having planted their own bean and pea plants earlier, the Kindergarten gardeners were familiar with the needs of plants, and easily picked up the technique of making and throwing seed balls. This technique of planting was selected to help protect the seeds from small animals and birds when planting outdoors. Water then breaks down the seed balls, providing nutrients for the young seedlings.

The young gardeners helped to plant a variety of native plants in the Junior School’s front garden, as well as the rain garden behind the Kindergarten building, including fawn lilies, nodding onion and goldenrod. They are keen to check on the progress of their planting efforts in the coming weeks, using their strong observation skills to take note of any changes and growth in our garden space!

Thank you to Mr. Bowers and Mrs. Johnson for sharing their expertise with the Kindergarten inquirers. Your efforts have helped the Kindergarteners to learn more about using their environment responsibly, acting to make a positive difference in the world around us.