Latest News

Tips For Teaching Gardening To Special Needs Children

By Alta Alexander


Gardening is considered a vital teaching methodology when handling children with special needs. Teaching gardening to special needs children in San Francisco, CA enhances their mental ability and supports physical development. It is a way of boosting their self esteem through practical results, inculcating independence and helping the children to develop social skills. It has a natural developmental effect that lasts through their lifetime.

The best way to reap the fruits of this approach is to prepare adequately. The advice given by research institutions regarding preparation directs the person responsible to balance time between different activities. This balance should ensure that time is allocated proportionately between activities that give immediate results and those that produce long term ones.

Proper planning and envisioning the activities of the day should take place before the work begins. The learning ability of each student should be considered. Begin by demonstrating to provide a model routine for them to follow. Reminding the children constantly about the task at hand keeps them focused. Take time to reinforce the process by demonstrating again and again.

Children learn easily through a repetitive routine. Identify this routine and find a comfortable way to do it. This will help them in becoming more confident and believing that it is easy and doable. This is the motivation they require to continue engaging in the activity at hand.

Gardening should be made a routine and enjoyable to capture the imagination of the children. Making it fun ensures that they look forward to it. This desire to engage in the routine is a motivation for the children to keep working. Provide drinks and snacks for the kids to replenish their energy and to motivate their psych to keep working.

The tools used should be appropriate for the task and friendly for use by children. This is not only for safety purposes but to make the exercise comfortable and enjoyable. Small hand tools, improvised old spoons and plastic tool sets are idea for such activities. Ensure that the children can easily handle the tools and fulfill their mandate.

The aim of engaging children in garden activities is not for fun. The results motivate them to learn and develop vital skills. This requires that all procedures be completed as required. The right number of seeds must go into each hole. Find seed sizes that can fit into the small hands. Mix small seeds with soil or sand to make it easy for them to distribute them.

The project should allow children to decide what to grow as much as possible. It is easily done by providing them with options based on what is most appropriate. This enables them to own the project from the beginning. Plants that grow quickly motivate their activities and are therefore recommended.

Think of how the kids will maneuver through the rows. The path size and surfacing should be considered. Their safety is paramount when planning for any activity. These children should always be protected from elements such as the sun and rain. Emergency response measures should be in place including the availability of adequate personnel. A well planned and executed project will produce excellent results.




About the Author:



0 Response to "Tips For Teaching Gardening To Special Needs Children"