During our healthy snack time, one student often tells me, "I don't like fruits or vegetables," while many others insist on eating the same apple sauce day after day. I would love to broaden my students' healthy horizons while teaching them where their favorite fruits and vegetables come from.
I have 30 delightful kindergarten students who love to learn.
The second they enter the classroom each morning, most students head straight for the back of the room to use magnifying glasses to observe our pet spiders. My students love science, and I know they will be thrilled to plant and observe growing fruits and vegetables during our life cycles unit this spring.
Our Illinois school is Title I, with 65% of students coming from low income families, and 24% being English Language Learners. Because our school is Healthy Schools Certified, we are constantly striving to instill healthy lifestyles in our students. We ensure that our students receive ample time for active play each day, whether during recess, P.E., or short activity breaks inside the classroom. We also offer fresh fruits and vegetables in the lunch room each day, though many students shy away from them.
My Project
After introducing students to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, I would like to give them a chance to research which healthy foods we can grow right here in Chicago. Each student will have the opportunity to plant the seeds of his/her favorite fruit or vegetable and watch them grow. The roots viewers will show students the fascinating world that is typically hidden underground. When the temperatures outside are warm enough, we will transplant the seedlings into our school's garden. Students will be so excited to use the gloves and hand tools while tending to our raised bed! Throughout the gardening experience, students will be able to experience firsthand what their plants look like as seeds, seedlings, and mature plants. They will also have the wonderful opportunity to connect with nature on a daily basis. My students absolutely love bugs, and will benefit from observing them in their natural homes.
The gardening tools I am asking for will take our kindergarten life cycle unit to a new level.
Students will take what they learn about plants from books and videos and apply that understanding as they care for their very own fruit and vegetable plants. They will be able to experience how delicious fresh tomatoes and strawberries taste, and take that knowledge with them to the grocery store and lunch room. Thank you in advance for helping our class garden our way to a healthier future!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Makovec and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.