The Academy for Global Citizenship's schoolyard garden is a powerful vehicle for teaching our students about the connection between their everyday food choices and the health of the community, the environment, and themselves. Through their direct experiences, students inculcate an awareness of the physical environment and develop in them a sense of connectedness with their land, and all that grows on it. The garden has created opportunities for children to discover fresh organic food, become better stewards of the earth, and develop the self-confidence, discipline, and skills in collaborating with others both locally and globally.
The project began in 2008 with 16 above ground boxes, 3 earth machines, a rain barrel and seeding tables. With help form local partners, including Exelon, Hannah's Bretzel, Adjustable Forms and Christy Webber Landscaping, we have added 3 additional rain barrels and a greenhouse that has enabled us to expand and extend our growing capacity. Inspired teachers use the garden as a place to enhance their teaching and to foster students' curiosity by providing a natural context for hands-on investigations. These lessons foster sound nutritional practice, responsible food choices, and environmental stewardship. As we move forward in our pursuits, children will design, create, care for, and use the edible schoolyard to grow and learn about edible and decorative plants, enjoy hands on learning, physical activity, fresh air and organic snacks.
Critical to the success of this project is the involvement of the larger community. AGC is committed to involving staff, students, parents and the community in maintaining and enjoying our urban garden. AGC offers workshops throughout the year on topics such as container gardening, gardening in small spaces and preparing nutritious snacks and meals. AGC's garden is also seen as a demonstration site highlighting different growing techniques such as raised beds, EarthBoxes, containers and a green roof (on our schoolyard chicken coop)!
Resources:
Chicago Botanic Garden
Kids Gardening
Edible Schoolyard
School Garden Wizard |
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