Gardening In School Boosts Child Development

A study out of the UK suggests that school gardens actually improve academic skills in children. Children who participated in school gardening projects were found to be better problem solvers.  The projects also encouraged patience, independence, and  healthy eating habits

Teachers who used gardening as part of children’s education said they displayed more independence and were better at solving problems.

Working in school gardens also had an impacts on other subjects, including literacy and numeracy, it was claimed.

"Fundamental to the success of school gardens in stimulating a love of learning was their ability to translate sometimes dry academic subjects into practical, real world experiences,” said the report, commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society.

"Children were encouraged to get their hands dirty - in every sense. Teachers involved in the research said the result was a more active, inquisitive approach to learning."

School gardening projects are also great because they don't require much cash to start or maintain.

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Photo: Clipart