- Author: Consuelo Cid
- Editor: Emily Harris
Garden-based learning offers a myriad of benefits to students.
Garden based learning:
- Allows teachers to integrate multiple subject areas like the natural and social sciences, mathematics, language arts, and nutrition.
- Enhances academic achievement.
- Connects students with nature.
- Teaches environmental stewardship.
- Encourages time outdoors.
Gardening grows more than just gardens: it grows students' minds!
---------------------------------------
Vang Pao Elementary teacher, Jacquie Henderson, started a school garden during the 2015-2016 academic school year. Henderson is excited to expand her classroom garden this upcoming school year. Let's see what bounty they cultivated this past school year...
Can you guess what's growing at Vang Pao?
If you guessed yellow summer squash and tomatoes, you are correct!
Looks likes it's almost time to harvest again!
The garden was made possible by the work of Henderson's fifth grade class and students in the garden club at Vang Pao Elementary. They did an amazing job, and even donated their first harvest! Students enjoyed tasting the fruits of their labor, or in this case, the vegetables of their labor!
Great job Henderson's fifth grade class! I look forward to seeing what produce you decide to plant this school year.
---------------------------------------
Did you know...
August 7-13, 2016 is National Farmers Market Week!
Click here to find a Farmers Market near you to purchase local produce.
- Author: Nora Rey Lopez
- Photographer: Yolanda S. Lopez
During my recent visit to the Children's Corner preschool in Firebaugh I received a surprise!!! They were working on their new garden! According to Christy Trujillo, they received funding through a garden grant from Fresno City College. They were one of the five sites chosen. I am so proud of them!
"It has been a great experience for the children and teachers", says Christy.
The children and teachers are growing pumpkins, watermelons, strawberries, carrots, sweet peppers and tomatoes. Soon Children's Corner students will be tasting fresh and delicious vegetables and fruits.
What plant part is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
- Author: Alisha Byrd
Watching plants grow is fun and educational experience for children. Their enormous curiosity and excitement over anything new makes them naturals for gardening. Growing plant seeds with kids teaches them how nature works, responsibility in caring for something, and pride in themselves for the results.
Learn more about gardening in the classroom here.
- Author: Shawna Rogers
Students at VASA Elementary learn the value of self grown herbs and vegetables! Pictured below fourth graders are planting lavender.
If you'd like to incorporate gardening in your classroom, check out the Fresno County Master Gardener Resource Guide, or contact your UC CalFresh Program Specialist.
- Author: Sandra Ortega
Family Centered events are our specialty at UC CalFresh Fresno!
This year UC CalFresh Community Education Specialists spent the summer teaching families participating in the Healthy Lifestyle Fitness Camp all about eating a healthy breakfast, using MyPlate, and increasing their physical activity. Parents also learned how to build and maintain healthy bones, got familiar with edible plant parts and so much more!
The Healthy Lifestyle Fitness camp is a no-cost camp for youth provided by the City of Fresno Parks and Recreation. This camp promotes healthy lifestyles while providing children ages 10-14 and their families nutrition education and fun activities.
Families worked together to prepare healthier snacks.
