This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
My scholars are brilliant young men who are goal-oriented and driven. They are motivated individuals who are enthusiastically focused on achieving excellence. As great scholars, they strive to make good choices. It is not unusual to see scholars engaging in class, in the lesson, and excited about learning. They are learning to become resilient men who are dedicated to academic success.
My Project
Gardening can improve mental health, physical health, emotional support, focus, community beautification, and concentration. This project will take gardening to a new level. School closures and social isolation have affected our scholars, especially those living in poverty. Adding to the damage to their learning, we have seen a spike in mental health matters.
As we focus on healing the whole child, I reflect on the positive influence gardening has on the human brain.
As scholars focus on immediate tasks and details of gardening, it can reduce negative thoughts and feelings and make them feel better in the moment. Now more than ever, schools are introducing elements of Social and Emotional Learning. Gardening can help scholars feel more peaceful and content. Well beyond mood, gardening can also serve as a powerful therapeutic tool against depression and anxiety. Gardens and gardening have been found to positively impact health, well-being and incorporate a STEAM learning opportunity.
Scholars will use the Tower Gardens to grow various items while researching the various stages of growth, the tools they’ll need, or different ways the plants are used after they grow. Scholars will have to methodically measure their plants or make other observations and record their observations. This hands-on school gardening program can help scholars develop an increased snacking preference for fruits and vegetables. This is a perfect way to help improve the consumption of fresh produce in the homes of scholars and their parents. The process of tending a plant and seeing it bloom or produce food takes time and patience, but the payoff in satisfaction is equal to the investment.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Hobbs and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
