During the summer the educators have observed the infants showing an interest in the garden in our playground. In the spring the infants helped Educator Amanda plant the garden. We have been able to watch it grow from our window inside the classroom and outside in the playground.
Outside, the children show interest when they notice an educator watering the garden. They will find their own watering can and ask for water. The educators help the infants to fill their watering cans, and most infants can then independently walk over to the garden and water the flowers. This helps to develop their gross motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
The infants have also been learning how to explore the plants in a positive way. The educators have explained to the children that plants need sun and water to grow. They have modeled smelling the flowers and giving them gentle touches. We mostly have flowers in our garden, along with two cucumber plants that we are still waiting to see cucumbers from. Our garden has grown beautifully thanks to the care and interest of the infants and toddlers in the playground.
We wonder what we can plant in out garden next year?
