06/16/2022
They may not have realized it, but as they dug into the soil, w**ded and planted a garden on the grounds of Howard Gardner MI Charter School this spring, students gained valuable life skills in addition to science lessons.
Teamwork, planning, critical thinking and creative problem solving are just a few of the added benefits students enjoyed while working in this outdoor classroom in the school’s back yard. “This is by far the students’ favorite part of the year,” said Kimberly Hoskins, Science and Technology teacher. “They’re filled with excitement when it’s time to plant the garden.”
The annual project is truly a collaborative effort, and one that will continue into the next academic year. Fifth and sixth grade students completed the prep work of w**ding, turning over the soil and installing a w**d barrier. Once the site was ready, seventh and eighth grade students planted tomatoes, zucchini, beans, cabbage, eggplants and tomatoes. Our friends at the Greenhouse Project at Nay Aug Park generously donated tomato, cabbage and lavender plants.
“Students will harvest the fruits of their labor next year,” Mrs. Hoskins said. “They will also develop and follow recipes to create dishes to share with their classmates.” Those interested in keeping their green thumbs in good stead all summer are sharing their newfound gardening skills with their families. “Many have gone on to start container gardens, as well as traditional gardens, at home,” she said.
