Starting a garden and caring for it is a wonderful way for kids to learn about the natural world around them. It provides numerous benefits and educational opportunities. The garden is a place of applied science. It's a place where children can observe first-hand many natural science concepts, and it gives them practical experience of ideas that sometimes may seem abstract. And gardening is a great activity to keep children occupied during the no school summer months.
My Garden Planning and Log Book, is a great companion tool for children starting a family garden. The book is formatted as a prompt journal and guides children through the various stages of gardening - from planning to harvesting. It offers ample space for kids to record their observations about the plants, the insects and animals that visit them, and the whole garden ecosystem. The journal encourages kids to observe, record (through writing and drawing) and analyse the natural world around them.
The book is divided into the following sections and activities:
Setting up and planning your garden: Includes activities to map out the garden, planting planning, and a glossaryThe plants: Individual pages with prompts to record information about each type of plant and to draw the plant and its flowers and fruitsThe insects and animals that visit the plants: