Gardening

Growing little green thumbs at Lollipop Lane

Our Gardening Progam

• At Lollipop Lane we know children can have fun and learn a lot from growing things! The aim of the program is to create opportunities for fun and learning, engaging their natural curiosity by learning skills across caring for plants and watching them grow.

  Our Assistant Director Del and our ECT Tanya are the resident green thumbs that head up the gardening program at the centre.

  The program is rostered in the weekly curriculum however a key component is also actively utilising other prime opportunities depending on the weather, growing season and the activities we can incorporate. All classes are involved in the many ongoing garden activities required to keep our gardens healthy. From watering to weeding to planting and cultivating, tasks are planned for different ages and abilities so all children can take part and learn skills across caring for plants and growing things.

  Our programmed times include;

  ·         Monday at 1:30: Starfish Green with Del

  ·         Tuesdays at 1:30: Kindergarten Starfish Red with Tanya

  ·         Thursday at 1:30: Starfish Yellow with Del

Gardening and Healthy Eating

Getting children to eat their fruits and vegetables can sometimes be a challenge! However when children are involved in every step of the growing process, they are more likely to gain a sense of ownership and pride over their healthy eating choices. 

Look for some of the things we grow to head into our kitchen for lunches as well as our children’s cooking programs!

Why Garden?

Involving children in simple gardening practices has a range of benefits including;

• Responsibility & Understanding – taking care of plants each day in order for them to be healthy. What happens if we don’t water plants? Why do we weed?

• Self–confidence – as the plants grow so does a sense of achievement!

• Love of nature – growing plants grows an attraction and interest in our natural environment

• Physical activity – getting dirty, keeping active and having fun!

• Science - Science concepts can include the sprouting process and gaining an understanding of how plants require sunlight and water for growth. 

• Nutrition – learning about where fresh food comes from

• Cooperation – sharing, watching others and teamwork

• Sustainability – using the garden to help teach children on interacting with our environment in a way that conserves resources. For example, using leftover water in waterbottles and gathering rainwater for the garden