The children joined in clearing the weeds and turning the soil over ready for planting. It also gave them a chance to work with peers they hadn’t spent time with before and enjoy time outdoors too.
In February, most of the children planted their own sunflowers in their classrooms and enjoyed watching them start to grow, first at school and then at home…
We had a Garden Sign Competition where the children got creative and thought of some fantastic ideas! Here was the winning sign entry from a young person in Upper School. Each flower represents a different class and the petals are handprints of each student in that class. What a super idea!
In March, children started to create the garden sign together, choosing different colours and letters to make it their own. They also had chance to start planting different things: lavender, rosemary, thyme, mint, strawberries, garlic and some of their sunflowers too!
From March to June, the bed has slowly started filling up and the sign has taken shape too. Children that have been in school during this time have helped to water each day and keep an eye on everything. Little signs have been made, so we remember what is where!
For some that have been learning from home, we have sent seed packs and different bits of gardening equipment home to help them have a go at growing their own. Some of the seeds were donated by a parent – so a HUGE thank you to them!
The children at Arc Oakbridge School have loved spending time outside, watching things grow, learning about different plants and enjoying how gardening boosts their physical and mental wellbeing.
We have had lots of pictures of successful growing at home – Well done everyone!