Spring Gardening - Sewing and Preparing

At Rachel Keeling we recognise the importance of children being involved in the care of our school. We ensure the children have opportunities to be part of the care of our outdoor environment, with particular focus on the gardening.
Supporting children's understanding of how we care for plants and wildlife (our flora and fauna) is part of our ongoing provision.  

During winter children have been working to clear the beds and prepare them for spring planting.
Over the past few weeks there has been much work: children have worked together, collaborating and problem solving how to transport the compost, steer the wheelbarrow and distribute the compost into the beds. 
Children were then supported to explore the various seeds: coriander and chive being the first two planted.
They handled them and talked about the seeds. They also looked at coriander and chives, smelling them. Some children said they had these at home. 
Children watered the beds and planted the seeds: some beds have been covered with nets as we have some wildlife that like to nibble the seeds! All of this took collaboration, communication, perserverence and resulted in a great sense of achievement and joy!

At the end of March, children will plant potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, beans and peas.
Over the year we care for and harvest them too so children see the full cycle of food from seed to plate!

Children have also been learning vocabulary linked to plants and their parts this week. They have been closely observing daffodils and crocuses that have emerged through the flower bed: children have been drawing them and using words such as stem, petal, leaf, bulb, bell.

As you walk to nursery can you and your child see signs of spring? Have a talk about them. 
If you would like to grow something in a window box, Nazma recommends herbs as they are quite easy. If you would like some ideas or advice: please see Nazma in nursery as she will be more than happy to help!