When Katlyn Doster, a teacher at Fairview Elementary School, got an NEF teacher grant last spring to put in a garden at the school, she didn’t know that in addition to learning about the natural world her students would get a lesson in persistence! Now, a year later, the students are delighted to see how their work is paying off.
Ms Doster shared some photos with this note: “I am so excited to share some recent photos from our community garden! We have peas, collard greens, cabbage, carrots, and cucumbers all growing! The kiddos are getting excited to try to peas that are almost ready to be picked!”
Gardens are a great learning tool as students go through the phases of clearing the land, studying the soil and understanding what is needed to help plants grow. They also develop valuable planning skills as they determine what to plant and what care each plant needs.
The payoff in the spring when they get to taste the vegetables they grew is priceless.
This grant, and every teacher grant, is made possible by community donations received by NEF. The Newton Education Foundation puts community resources to work for our kids so they can achieve academic and personal success. We do this by providing funds that help our schools remove obstacles, provide great educational opportunities that deepen learning and support teachers in meeting the learning needs of all kids.
Consider making a gift, of any amount, so that more students can have great classroom experiences that enhance learning. www.newtoneducationfoundation.org/donate