A GUIDE TO WINTER BREAK

 

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Source: Edutopia

Enjoy Your Holiday!

All of us at Temescal Associates and the How Kids Learn Foundation wish you a peaceful and restful holiday! 

 

Growing Together: Cultivating Inclusivity in Our Community Garden

Source: Akoma Unity Center

Research tells us that young people’s connection to the outdoors and nature contributes to their healthy development. This connection can be promoted by involving youth in gardening. We will post several LIAS Blogs on the topic of gardening in afterschool. Below we offer a guest blog from Akoma Unity Center on their community garden project. (Note: Our series of blog posts on gardening in afterschool are excerpts from a larger briefing paper entitled, Gardening in Afterschool Programs.) 

Growing Together: Cultivating Inclusivity in Our Community Garden

By Guest blogger Akoma Unity Center. (This blog was originally published on Akoma Unity Center.)

Introduction

In a fast-paced world, finding a tranquil oasis where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together and connect with nature is a rare gem. Our community garden, nestled in the heart of the city, is precisely that and so much more. Beyond being a sanctuary for plant enthusiasts, it is a thriving hub that celebrates diversity, fosters collaboration, and cherishes the spirit of shared learning. In this blog post, we invite you to explore how our community garden has blossomed into a truly inclusive space, embracing everyone, regardless of their age, background, or gardening experience.

Cultivating Diversity

Step foot into our community garden, and you’ll witness a vibrant tapestry of faces and stories from various walks of life. We take immense pride in providing an open-armed welcome to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of gardening expertise. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete novice, you’ll find yourself embraced by a warm and supportive community.

Source: Akoma Unity Center

The Power of Collaboration

At the heart of our community garden lies the essence of collaboration. Here, gardeners don’t just tend to their own plots; they work together, exchange ideas, and lend a helping hand. It’s a place where experienced green thumbs generously share their knowledge with beginners, fostering an environment of growth and camaraderie. Through joint efforts, we not only cultivate beautiful blooms and delicious produce but also cultivate lasting friendships.

Respect and Understanding

Respect is the cornerstone of our garden’s culture. We celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, understanding that our diverse backgrounds enrich our collective experience. Here, conversations flow freely, and perspectives are exchanged with an open mind. We learn from one another, breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding that transcend age, culture, and language.

Source: Akoma Unity Center

Learning Together

Our community garden is more than just a place to dig in the dirt; it’s a haven of continuous learning. Seasoned horticulturists share their wisdom through workshops and tutorials, while young enthusiasts infuse the space with fresh ideas and innovations. Together, we explore sustainable gardening practices, experiment with new crops, and embrace the ever-evolving world of horticulture.

An Inclusive Space for All

As the sun sets behind the horizon, casting a golden glow on our bountiful garden, the sense of belonging is palpable. Children play, elders share stories, and friendships blossom across generations. Our community garden is a testament to the power of inclusivity, where the simple act of planting seeds cultivates a sense of togetherness.

Conclusion

Our community garden stands as a living testament to the beauty of embracing diversity and nurturing an inclusive space. It is a place where laughter reverberates, friendships flourish, and a shared passion for nature unites us all. As we invite you to step into this blossoming sanctuary, we extend an open invitation to everyone, welcoming you to become a part of our green family. Together, let’s continue sowing the seeds of inclusivity, respect, and shared learning in the fertile soil of our community garden.

MORE ABOUT…

Akoma Unity Center (AUC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, grassroots organization committed to the progress of African American youth, families, and communities. Akoma’s programs and services are specifically designed to meet the needs of historically excluded African American youth and communities. Programs include; Afterschool Program, Summer Day Camp, SOUL FOOD Community Dinner Night, male mentoring program, Rites of Passage, Advocacy for youth of color, STEAM Fair- Back to School Giveaway and Toy/Coat giveaway.

At Akoma Unity Center, the unwavering mission is to educate, heal, and transform historically excluded communities of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). They are dedicated to creating a more equitable and just society by organizing individuals, cultivating healthy families, and empowering communities to overcome systemic barriers. Through their comprehensive programs and initiatives, they strive to foster holistic healing, educational empowerment, and economic opportunities. By addressing the unique challenges faced by BIPOC communities, they aim to dismantle inequities, uplift voices, and create sustainable change.

 

Gardening in Afterschool Programs

By Sam Piha 

Research tells us that young people’s connection to the outdoors and nature contributes to their healthy development. This connection can be promoted by involving youth in gardening. And afterschool programs are particularly well positioned to offer gardening activities. Perhaps you have a staff  member, teacher or parent who has a passion for gardening and who could lead the “club”. (Note: Our series of blog posts on gardening in afterschool are excerpts from a larger briefing paper entitled, Gardening in Afterschool Programs.) 

“By incorporating a garden into an afterschool program, educators can create a dynamic and enriching environment that promotes active learning, fosters a connection with nature, and encourages positive health and environmental habits among participants.” [1]

BENEFITS OF ENGAGING YOUTH IN GARDENING
There are many benefits for young people who are engaged in gardening. 

“Through school gardens, students become stewards of the environment and gain a stake in the community and the world. This empowers them to discover the connections between personal health, education and opportunity.” [2]  

According to author Brianna Flavin (Rasmussen University), there are many benefits to engaging children and adolescents in gardening activities: 

“1. It encourages them to eat healthier: It makes some intuitive sense. Half the fun of gardening is getting to eat what you grow. But the positive effect a sun-warmed strawberry has on your little ones will continue to ripple throughout their lives. 

2. It provides engaging, moderate exercise: If you’ve ever spent an afternoon in the garden, you’ve probably experienced time flying and sore that students involved in hands-on school gardening programs developed. 

“These days all kids could benefit from a little more physical activity and sunshine they’ll get while gardening. Activities like moving soil, carrying a heavy watering can, digging in the dirt and pushing a wheelbarrow can promote gross motor skills and overall strength for a more fit body. Plus, these activities, known as “heavy work,” have been shown to help kids stay calm and focused.” [3] 

3. It builds a sense of confidence: Teachers and parents alike recognize how crucial confidence can be in a child’s ability to grow and learn. The process of tending a plant and seeing it bloom or produce food takes time and patience, but the payoff in satisfaction is equal to the investment. 

Source: Rethink: Rural

“It is wonderful for building a child’s sense of competence, as they engage in a real-life activity that they might have previously seen as only for adults. Give any children the experience of dabbling a tiny seed into a hole, watering it, protecting it and watching it explode into life and growth—and they might just feel like they have magic powers!” [4]

4. It develops STEM & analytical abilities: Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning and organization skills,” Matthews says. She advises parents or teachers to have their kids do a little gardening research before diving in. Children can read up on the various stages of growth, the tools they’ll need or different ways the plants are used after they grow. For even further development, Matthews suggests working on math and science skills by encouraging your children to observe their plants’ life cycles. 'Children can measure their plants or make other observations and record their observations in a journal.' 

5. It relieves stress: The main benefit of gardening is learning to relax,” says counselor and maternal child nurse Orly Katz, LCPC. Katz emphasizes that gardening helps children make a habit of calming themselves. “Gardening allows kids to be alone, it allows them to breathe fresh air and be in peace by themselves.” Research indicates that the calming effect gardening has on the brain extends even beyond
the actual act of gardening.  

6. It improves focus & memory: Consistent involvement in gardening can contribute to improved alertness, cognitive abilities and social skills, according to Garden Organic. The act of gardening as a therapeutic treatment (known as horticulture therapy) has shown to be particularly effective in rehabilitating motor, speech and cognitive abilities after illness. The improvements in memory and attention were even more significant when children engaged in an activity outdoors, such as—you guessed it— gardening! 

7. It positively impacts mood & psychological wellbeing: Increased memory and focus are fabulous. But that is only part of the positive influence gardening has on the human brain. Garden Organic states that elements of gardening have the ability to trigger emotions in people.  Well beyond mood, gardening can also serve as a powerful therapeutic tool against depression and anxiety. Gardens and the act of gardening have been found to have a positive impact on peoples’ health and wellbeing.” [5] 

Amy Morin, LCSW (Very Well Family) adds to these named benefits:

• “Plant Care Fosters Responsibility: Whether it’s flowers or vegetables, caring for plants helps teenagers develop responsibility. They also gain a sense of accomplishment and self-confidence as they raise small sprouts into full blooming beauties. 
• Plants Offer a Great Way to Connect: Plants can be a great tool for bonding with aloof kids or to help teen siblings connect in a way that doesn't involve arguing.” [6]

End Notes

[1] Tips for Incorporating a Garden into an Afterschool Program
[2] Garden Education
[3] Gardening With Kids: How It Affects Your Child’s Brain, Body and Soul
[4] Gardening for Kids: 7 Reasons Planting Seeds Enriches Their Lives
[5] IBID.
[6] Benefits of Gardening for Teens