The Benefits Of Gardening For Children
In the Foundation Stage we have decided to grow our own little class gardens in planters outside our classrooms. Gardening offers so many fun and interesting opportunities for the students and teaches them invaluable lessons.
They learn about the different types of flowers, vegetables and herbs and what they need to help them grow. It also offers an opportunity for the children to learn about different shapes and colours, etc.
Gardening engages all sorts of senses. They can feel the texture of soil, seeds, flowers, etc. They get to smell all the beautiful flower scents and see all the colourful petals. It also helps develop hand-eye coordination as well as physical strength.
If children grow their own vegetables, they gain a keen interest in eating them. Growing vegetables not only teaches them the hard work that it takes to grow them but also a sense of achievement! Growing any sort of flowers or vegetables requires daily attention and care. The students take turns to water their little gardens. They quickly learn if they are not watered regularly and taken care of they won’t flourish.
We have seen here at school, gardening is a good way to teach responsibility. The students are learning to be patient while waiting for their flowers and vegetables to grow. They need to remain engaged in the process and keep looking after their flowers and vegetables even when there are no clear results, but the anticipation makes the moment their flowers or vegetables sprout even more exciting!
Cindy Nunan
Nursery & Pre-Reception Teacher
From the Principals Desk, 12 February 2021
Dear Parents
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”– Phil. 4:8 NIV.
MINDFULNESS
To be mindful means to be conscious or aware of something. “It is a mental state that is achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment.”- Dictionary.
This is often easier said than done. It is easy to become fearful and negative in today’s world. Listening to the news, reading the newspapers, can be a depressing reminder of the situation worldwide.
I believe it’s so important, amidst the worry of our daily lives, to focus our hearts and minds on what is noble and lovely. We are in the middle of February and already our students and teachers have achieved so much. Public schools will only reopen on Monday 15th February and their teachers and students are only now preparing for the academic year.
I am proud that our students have been busy with their academic programme since the beginning of the year and commend their enthusiasm and dedication. Sir Winston Churchill once said, “young men and young women, take up your mantle and rise; it is time for change.” We, the educators and parents, are the ones who empower and equip this generation for change. Let us pass the torch with pride!
Our students are all dressed up and ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day today. Such celebrations are important for morale and fellowship. Therefore, it is with joy, laughter, treats and music they celebrate the day and share the love!
On Monday, 15th February, we will have all students back on campus and we are sure they cannot wait to join their peers. Teachers will continue to prepare work for students who are abroad or have co-morbidities. As communicated two weeks ago, all other hybrid teaching ends today. Although our hybrid programme is running smoothly, the students need to have the benefit of face-to-face communication with their teachers.
As we look forward to the weekend, I encourage you to share the love with your family and friends. We cannot know what tomorrow will bring but we can celebrate today!
Kind regards
Edna
(Follow us on Instagram to see some of the Valentine’s Day photos and videos.)
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