The main advantages that children can derive from working with adults in the garden are their psychological development and their physical and cognitive maturation. In fact, gardening is a great opportunity for children of all ages to learn, as it helps them to acquire some basic skills, which will prove useful for many aspects of their growth.
Sensorial development
Gardening can help children to properly develop their five senses. The youngest, putting their hands in the ground or touching the various parts of a plant, will experience the difference between compact and crumbly, smooth and rough, hard and soft.
They will be able to catch with their own eyes the real vibration of the colors, they will feel the wind rustling between the branches or on the grass and they will perceive the natural smells of flowers and fruits. In addition, in some cases, they can also taste the result of their work.
For example, tomatoes are very simple and fun vegetables to grow. They come in different shapes, colors and sizes, and for this reason they are particularly suitable for children gardening.
Even the pumpkin is very suitable for this type of activity: there are many sizes and shades, from pale white to bright orange. In addition, it can also be used as a decorative element: for these reasons children will love to cultivate it.
That's why, by involving all five senses, gardening can help children better understand the process that brings food to the table or on the shelves of a supermarket.
Responsibility education
Involving children in a gardening project is a great way to educate them to responsibility. In fact, this game will help them to understand that, dedicating the right care and attention to the seeds entrusted to them, they will see sprout and grow healthy and beautiful plants.
In addition, by writing a checklist to be examined together with adults each day, they will have an even better perception of the role they play in plant care.
Motor coordination and concentration
During gardening, some simple tasks such as planting seeds, harvesting soil and watering plants are assigned to the children.
Performing these little exercises is a valuable training that leads them to progressively improve their physical skills and coordination of movements, both to strengthen the ability to concentrate and learn.
Introduction to science and arithmetic.
Many aspects of gardening present children with the basic concepts of science and arithmetic in a simple and intuitive way. In this way it is possible to introduce them to these subjects, always considered difficult, with a more direct and experiential approach, and therefore less traumatic from the didactic point of view.
For example, arithmetic concepts may include measuring the depth of a hole made in the ground to plant a seed, or counting the tips of one leaf to distinguish one plant from another.
The opportunities for presenting scientific topics through garden activities are even greater. From understanding the flowering process to the need for light and water for plant growth, gardening is an always open science book.
In addition to these wonderful benefits, gardening teaches children the value of patience and waiting. The time spent waiting for a flower to bloom or a vegetable is ready to be harvested, will make that moment even more significant.
