Gardening supports academic achievement, helps students develop a healthy lifestyle, makes them more aware of their environment and helps them develop a sense of community. Additionally, research shows that outdoor activity and gardening contribute to normal eye development, improvement in ADHD symptoms, improved academic performance, reduction in stress, anxiety and depression, and make positive impacts on immune system development. The many benefits of a garden include:
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- Providing an opportunity for hands-on, active learning to help connect abstract concepts to the real world.
- Enhancing children’s awareness and appreciation of the environment.
- Providing a strategy and meaningful activity for working with “at risk” students.
- Helping students develop a strong sense of belonging, fellowship, caring, and community through garden activities.
- Instilling pride, ownership, and responsibility in students and community members.
- Increasing students’ self-esteem.
- Integrating the curriculum in areas of science, math, social studies, and language arts.
- Improving health and nutrition, as children who grow vegetables are more likely to eat them.
Gardens also provide a means for schools to acquire additional funds, resources, and support through successful garden related activities.
Slow Foods USA describes Benefits of School Gardens.