katljohnston Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 Hi everyone. i am designing a product to help children to grow vegetables and herbs etc. i'd lke to hear about any of your personal experiences with growing things. i have no children so i'd also like to hear whether you think children would enjoy growing things especially in a school environment. thakns for your help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt1889 Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 Well if I can remember that far bk to primary School....... As a Science experiment, think maybe aged 8/9?, we grew Watercress at School, and I enjoyed every minute of it! I can go into more detail about how I thought it was a good idea by PM? Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40summat Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 I think this is an excellent idea, especially if the children get to eat the produce after harvesting. Projects like this have a lasting effect on a lot of children and so many lessons can be incorporated into growing things, from propogation to pests, nutrition and even just the pride in seeing something they have nurtured come to fruition. In a society where we want everything now, learning to nurture is a valuable lesson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titian Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 Originally posted by katljohnston Hi everyone. i am designing a product to help children to grow vegetables and herbs etc. i'd lke to hear about any of your personal experiences with growing things. i have no children so i'd also like to hear whether you think children would enjoy growing things especially in a school environment. thakns for your help! Gardening is one of the best activities a child can do! Ideally it is best if they are involved with things right from the start, preparing the ground etc. Also they should be able to harvest the produce and cook with it, eat it raw etc. Gardening is excellent, it connects them strongly to the seasons, they can eat seasonal foods, as we all should, it helps them with healthy development as they are doing physical and useful work. Nothing should be contrived about it, it needs to be purposeful and they should have the right tools, in minature if needs be. Don't intellectualise it too much for them, let them enjoy just doing it, children learn through imitation so if the adult is a strong enough character and can do it well then so will they. I would start with things that they can eat and that grow easily, then you could work on herbs then flowers for pleasure. Bulbs are good to start with now for very young children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katljohnston Posted January 17, 2006 Author Share Posted January 17, 2006 hi again i also need help to get some children to test my ideas and product. if anyone can suggest anything? i am in contact with schools but they dont have much time for a struggling student! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titian Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 I am willing to help you with your project. We are doing something similar soon. Are you CRB checked? PM me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strix Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 Would Heeley city farm be able to help you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katljohnston Posted January 17, 2006 Author Share Posted January 17, 2006 i have already been in contact with them so hopfully sorting something out soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MysTique Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 I also think this is a good idea. You may want to aim specific things to grow at different age groups, bearing in mind the short attention span of the younger ones - they tend to like almost instant results The older children will probably appreciate the actual 'doing it themselves from scratch' as Titian suggested. They can then see the process from start (preparing etc) through nurturing to finish (eating!) Good luck with the project. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Titian Posted January 17, 2006 Share Posted January 17, 2006 Originally posted by MysTique I also think this is a good idea. You may want to aim specific things to grow at different age groups, bearing in mind the short attention span of the younger ones - they tend to like almost instant results The older children will probably appreciate the actual 'doing it themselves from scratch' as Titian suggested. They can then see the process from start (preparing etc) through nurturing to finish (eating!) Good luck with the project. It helps to start young though and develop patience in the young ones. I grow with 3-7 year olds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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