RIPPONLEA PRIMARY SCHOOL

Sustainability Corner

GARDENS ARE BLOOMING AT RIPPONLEA

It’s been great to have the Year 1/2 children taking responsibility for their own little patches of productive garden. 

The seedlings planted last term are definitely starting to thrive. 

 

It was very exciting to see children return to the garden & continue to care for their little plants. Pulling a few weeds & watering the seedlings with enthusiasm & curiosity aplenty. 

 

So great for them to observe the growth, sample a few strawberries and share this info with their classmates. 

 

Can't wait to get more children involved by the end of term and involved in their patch.

 

Not only are the gardens making the school look beautiful and vital, but the benefits are wide children's development. 

 

Here’s a few reasons we are loving what the gardens can offer the Ripper children.

  1. Hands-On Learning: They provide a practical way for children to learn about their world and make connections to learning in the classroom.
  2. Healthy Eating Habits: Gardening encourages kids to try new fruits and vegetables, fostering healthier eating habits and a better understanding of where food comes from. We’s love to avoid Ripper kids thinking that an apple is just IT related. 
  3. Connection to Nature: Gardens offer a space for children to connect with nature, which can reduce stress and promote well-being.  Sometimes just 5 minutes in a garden is exactly what some children need to centre their being and return to classroom.
  4. Creativity and Curiosity: Being creative and curious when selecting plants to grow encourages children to express themselves & explore their interests. One of the lovely things gardening nurtures is a curious disposition as children  explore what grows well, what doesn't and all the wonderings about growth such as why did that strawberry taste sour? 

It’s not just great for the Children either. 

 

Our gardens offer another way to create Connection to Community by sharing food produced in the gardens with our parent community and of course Lee in Snack Shack. 

School gardens definitely enrich the school environment and children’s holistic development.

 

Make sure you go have a look at what is growing too!!! 

 

The Green Team