'Kindergardeners'
develop green thumbs
Gavilan Peak School kindergartners 'digaround' in playground
by Ambria
Hammel
ANTHEM - Their thumbs and fingers might turn green from paint or
markers during arts and crafts, but now these kindergartners are
developing the type of green thumbs that will help them beautify
their playground.
The kindergarten class at Gavilan Peak School in Anthem planted
the school's first garden this week. The garden has not only provided
learning points for the students in several classroom subjects,
but added color to the campus and involved the community.
"We're sowing the seeds of success in learning," said
Becky Bradley, whose students are tending the garden that includes
lettuce, radishes, carrots and turnips. Future plans include agaves,
aloe, dahlias, annuals and perennials. She hopes to attract butterflies
once the plants bloom.
The garden grows in troughs and barrels. One barrel will be an exclusive
succulent garden because Bradley and parent volunteer Cathleen Woodall
want the students to learn about desert flora.
Learning about plants, life processes and the interdependence of
organisms is a standard in the kindergarten curriculum. The garden
idea grew when Woodall spoke to Bradley about the barren look of
the playground. The thought of planting a garden had occurred to
Bradley, and the Deer Valley Education Foundation fertilized her
idea in December by awarding a $500 grant to expand upon her traditional
classroom instruction.
"It really gives us a springboard for quality writing experiences
because it's something they've seen and done," Bradley said.
The students put in potting soil and compost before spring break
and transplanted flowers and plants from home when they returned
to nurture the garden.
The class keeps a log of the plant growth where it makes predictions
such as how long each plant will take to sprout. One assignment
challenged the kindergartners to ponder what type of flower or what
type of plant the seeds would become.
The garden incorporates reading and vocabulary, too. Bradley read
Eric Carle's "The Tiny Seed" to the students in preparation
for the garden. This illustrated children's book turns the life
cycle of a plant into a nature lesson by depicting the life of a
tiny seed that perseveres through the changing seasons to bloom
into a tall and beautiful flower admired by the town.
Bradley likewise relates math and art concepts to the students'
gardening activities. They measure plant growth and work with numbers
when they predict sprouting.
In art, the students gain an appreciation for aesthetics by studying
the works of Claude Monet, one of Bradley's favorite artists, and
creating their own interpretations. "He had such beautiful
gardens and was able to show that in his art," she said.
Several individuals have helped to make Gavilan Peak's garden beautiful
as well. Bradley credited Woodall, who secured donations and managed
logistics for the project, freeing Bradley to focus on teaching.
Jill Linden and other parents have also contributed their efforts.
The project has even spread to the community. Kim Benson, garden
center manager at Ace Hardware in Anthem and Gavilan Peak parent,
offered her expertise and resources. The store donated the troughs
and soil. "I thought it would be a fun way for the garden center
to get involved in the community," Benson said.
The class will hold a dedication ceremony April 26 to thank everyone
involved in helping their garden grow.
Reach the reporter at ambria@thedesertadvocate.com |
