Gardening is a fun and rewarding activity for children of all ages, but especially for those in the early years. Gardening can help children develop a range of skills and abilities that will benefit them throughout their lives. Here are some of the developmental benefits of gardening in early years:
- Physical development: Gardening involves a lot of physical activity, such as digging, planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting. These activities can help children develop their gross and fine motor skills, as well as their hand-eye coordination and balance. Gardening can also promote healthy habits, such as eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and spending time outdoors in nature.
- Cognitive development: Gardening can stimulate children's curiosity and creativity, as they learn about different plants, animals, insects, and natural phenomena. Gardening can also foster children's scientific thinking and problem-solving skills, as they observe, experiment, and discover how plants grow and change over time. Gardening can also enhance children's mathematical and literacy skills, as they measure, count, sort, compare, and label different plants and objects.
- Social and emotional development: Gardening can help children develop their social and emotional skills, such as cooperation, communication, responsibility, empathy, and self-esteem. Gardening can provide opportunities for children to work together, share ideas, take turns, and help each other. Gardening can also help children express their feelings and emotions, as they enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature. Gardening can also help children cope with stress and anxiety, as they find relaxation and calmness in gardening activities.
Gardening in early years can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both children and adults. By gardening together, children and adults can bond over a common interest, learn from each other, and have fun. Gardening can also be a way of connecting with nature and the environment, and appreciating the diversity and richness of life on Earth.
