First Steps

Take Advantage of Available Resources

You can use already prepared garden related lessons that are aligned to NGSS Performance Expectations and Common Core Standards. Other resources include:

 

    • Harvest of the Month nutrition lessons.
    • AIMS lessons
    • Project Learning Garden Curriculum from Captain Planet Foundation.
    • Other books providing garden based lessons. See our list of books in the Gardening Books section of our website.
    • Lessons organized by grade level in the Curriculum section of our website.
    • Internet searches. Search for a desired topic (e.g., lessons on plant germination, soil lesson) and choose from a number that are appropriate for your grade level. NOTE: Use only reliable/credible sources. NSTA National Science Teachers is an example of a well vetted list.

Be Creative

Adapt your regular classroom lessons to be taught in the garden. Review your lesson plans to find opportunities for using the garden to:

    • Provide hands-on learning experiences.
    • Add interest and enjoyment.
    • Make lessons more relevant.
    • Associate lessons with the garden for retention of new concepts.

Create a School Garden Calendar

To avoid conflicts in schedules when your school garden is being well used by more than one class, set up a calendar (online, in the office or teachers’ work room) to sign up for class or small group times.