Gardening with Young Children (eBook)

Sara Starbuck: Sara Starbuck, EdD, is an associate professor in the Department of Human Environmental Studies and administrative director of the Early Childhood Centers for Training, Research, and Education at Southeast Missouri State University. Dr. Starbuck has over thirty years of experience in the field of early childhood education as a teacher educator, administrator, and teacher of young children, and she is deeply involved in connecting children to nature and helping adults understand the importance of nature in the children’s lives. She earned her EdD from Nova Southeastern University in child and youth studies with a specialization in management of programs. Her BS and MS degrees are from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in early childhood education. Marla Olthof: Marla Olthof has nearly a decade of experience teaching toddlers and preschoolers and has trained a variety of teachers in a multitude of settings, including undergraduate practicum experiences and student teaching, at Southern Illinois University and the Purdue University Calumet Head Start Resource Center. Marla also enjoys volunteering in the classroom as the parent of three elementary school-aged daughters.Karen Midden: Karen Midden is a professor in plant, soil, and agricultural systems at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. She is a landscape architect working in Illinois and teaches landscape design, designing outdoor spaces, and sustainable landscape practices. Her current research and projects include urban agriculture, green roofs, and vertical gardening.

Table of ContentsChapter 1: Why Garden?Children Need NaturePhysical, Social, and Emotional Development Dirt Is GoodInternational Movement Toward Outdoor Nature Playscapes From Seed to TableThe Role of the TeacherChapter 2: Engaging Children in GardeningFostering Children’s Interest in GardeningUsing Emergent Curriculum as an Approach to Gardening Assuring Intellectual IntegrityUsing the Project Approach with Gardening Being in the Garden with Children Engaging Children in the Scientific Process FieldworkGraphing with Children Using Reference MaterialsTechnology and the Garden Study Documenting What Children Learn Bringing the Garden Curriculum Indoors Chapter 3: Planning Your GardenDeveloping the Garden DesignSelecting the Garden SiteTypes of GardensThe Final ChoiceGarden ThemesBird and Butter?y Garden North American GardenKitchen Garden Sensory Garden Southwestern Garden Dinosaur GardenChapter 4: Building Your GardenGathering Resources through Families and Community Constructing Different Types of GardensGround-Level GardensRaised BedsContainer GardensVertical GardensGreen-Roof GardenIndoor GardensPlant SelectionPreventing VandalismChapter 5: Working with Children in the GardenPlanting the GardenEvery Day in the GardenSupervising Children in the GardenMaintaining the GardenGarden CreaturesHarvestingSharing the Garden with Others Chapter 6: Gardening with Infants and ToddlersTaking Infants and Toddlers OutsideHow to Take a Walk with Infants and Toddlers Choosing Plants for Infants and Toddlers Bringing the Garden Inside Chapter 7: Universal Garden Learning Experiences Exploring Plants Exploring What Plants Need to GrowExploring Garden CreaturesAppendix 1: Children’s Books about Gardens and Garden Creatures Appendix 2: Reference Books about Garden CreaturesAppendix 3: Garden and Environmental Education Books and Supplies, Including Sources for Insects, Worms, and Other Beneficial CreaturesAppendix 4: Seeds and Garden SuppliesAppendix 5: Common and Botanical Names of Plants MentionedAppendix 6: Poisonous PlantsReferencesIndex