Young Children in the Vegetable Garden: An Experiential Learning of Growing Plants

Previous literature shows that preschool gardening engages children by providing an interactive environment to observe, discover, experiment and learn. Preschool gardens are living laboratories where interdisciplinary lessons... [ view full abstract ]

Previous literature shows that preschool gardening engages children by providing an interactive environment to observe, discover, experiment and learn. Preschool gardens are living laboratories where interdisciplinary lessons are drawn from real life experiences, encouraging children to become active participants in the learning process. This paper explored how 4-year old children learn about the origin of food through experiencing the natural process of growing plants at a preschool vegetable garden. Results showed that through selecting seeds, planting, tending the garden, and harvesting the crop, the participating children learn that food comes from living beings. Positive outcomes were also detected in the areas of social and environmental behaviors.