News and Reviews
The Benefits of Gardening with Children
The Benefits of Gardening with Children
By Liam Jennings
Gardening with children is a wonderful and enriching experience that goes beyond simply growing plants. It is a hands-on educational activity that instils a love for nature, promotes physical and mental well-being, and fosters essential life skills. As children dig, sow, and nurture their garden, they embark on a journey of discovery and learning that nurtures their growth and development.
In an age of digital dominance, gardening offers children a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world. By engaging with soil, plants, and insects, children develop a profound appreciation for the environment. This connection with nature nurtures empathy, respect, and a sense of responsibility towards the Earth.
Gardening is an excellent form of physical activity for children. Digging, planting, weeding, and watering all involve physical effort, contributing to their overall fitness and well-being. It encourages outdoor play and helps children build gross and fine motor skills as they handle gardening tools and delicate plants.
Gardening is an immersive science lesson for children.
Gardening is an immersive science lesson for children. It provides hands-on experiences in biology, botany, ecology, and even chemistry. Children learn about the life cycle of plants, the role of sunlight and water in photosynthesis, and the importance of nutrients in plant growth. These practical lessons deepen their understanding of scientific concepts.
As children care for their garden, they develop a sense of responsibility and patience. They understand that plants require nurturing and attention to thrive. Gardening teaches children about the consequences of their actions, as they witness the results of proper care or neglect. This responsibility and patience translate into other aspects of their lives.
Gardening engages all the senses, making it a rich sensory experience for children. They feel the soil’s texture, smell the fragrance of flowers, hear the rustling of leaves, and taste the fruits of their labour. This sensory stimulation enhances their cognitive development and creates lasting memories of their garden adventures.
Gardening provides children with a creative outlet. They can design their garden layout, choose plant varieties, and create imaginative garden decorations. This creative freedom sparks their imagination and encourages them to think outside the box.
Gardening has a calming effect on children, reducing stress and anxiety.
Outdoor activities has a calming effect on children, reducing stress and anxiety. Being amidst nature and the act of gardening can be therapeutic, providing a sense of tranquillity and mindfulness. Gardening can be particularly beneficial for children with attention issues or behavioural challenges, as it offers a constructive outlet for their energy.
Growing their fruits and vegetables can foster a stronger awareness of nutrition in children. As they witness the entire process from planting seeds to harvesting produce, they understand the value of fresh, wholesome foods. This knowledge can positively influence their dietary choices and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Gardening also teaches children about resilience and learning from failure. Not every plant will thrive, and setbacks may occur, such as pests or unfavourable weather conditions. Such experiences provide valuable lessons about perseverance and problem-solving.
It’s is an excellent bonding activity for families and friends. Working together in the garden fosters meaningful connections and creates lasting memories. Children cherish the time spent with their parents, grandparents, or siblings, and these shared experiences strengthen their relationships.
Garden activities instils a sense of environmental stewardship in children. They learn about sustainable practices, composting, and reducing waste. These eco-conscious habits can stay with them throughout their lives, making them more responsible global citizens.
Gardening with children is a rewarding and beneficial experience with a myriad of positive outcomes. From fostering a connection with nature to promoting physical activity, learning about science, and developing life skills, gardening offers an all-encompassing educational journey for young minds. The joy of seeing a tiny seed grow into a flourishing plant is a priceless gift that nurtures their growth and development in countless ways. So, grab a trowel, gather the little ones, and let the gardening adventure begin!
For more gardening news, click here.
New development planned for Woolgoolga Retirement Village
Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd are taking steps to add a collection of modern retirement residences and amenities to their village in High Street. They are in the early phase of planning a new development to be called Callisto Coastal Retirement.
Sasha Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village Ltd is excited about the plans. “We are very proud to be adding Callisto Coastal Retirement to our community.” Ms Andrews said. “We are part of a great community in a fantastic location and aim to set the benchmark for premium retirement living in Woolgoolga.”
At this early stage, they are keen to get input from the local community of future residents to help create the perfect coastal retirement. A Feedback Forum is being offered to eligible potential residents aged 55+, providing an opportunity to learn more, convey their thoughts, ideas and insights around design and services, features, amenities and priorities.
The new development has the support of the Board of Directors of the not-for-profit, community owned organisation. Chairperson, Ian Wade said “Woolgoolga and District Retirement Village has played an important role in the community for many years and we want to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our seniors for years to come. We have a great opportunity to provide quality retirement living, built with future residents in mind.”
A community Feedback Forum is planned for Tuesday 7 May. For details and to register to attend, go to the website here. For more on the Woolgoolga Retirement Village, visit here.
For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.
Memory Run Walk Jog – My Way Lismore
Albert Park Baseball Grounds
Keen Street Lismore
8am Sunday 19th May 2024
Join a fun community activity to fundraise and raise dementia awareness. Last year, more than 10,000 people walked, jogged and ran in cities and towns across Australia for people impacted by dementia. Dementia awareness
Lismore events include a 10km run, a 5km jog/walk or a 1km walk so that the day is inclusive of all levels of physical ability.
There will be information stalls providing details of supports, local resources and services to help those impacted by dementia, as well as food and drinks.
Form a team from your workplace, local club, friends or family (dress up to make it fun!) and enter the 1km walk, 5km jog/walk or a 10km run. Get lots of sponsors!
To register a team or take part as an individual go to:
www.memorywalk.com.au/event/lismore-myway
Dementia awareness
Currently, dementia is the leading cause of death in women and overall, it is the second leading cause of death for all Australians. In 2024, it is estimated that more than 1.6 million people in Australia are involved in the care of someone living with dementia.
Dr Jones says ‘The ageing population in the Northern Rivers is growing at an exponential rate. Our region is one of the highest ageing communities in NSW and this comes with increasing rates of those impacted by dementia in our community. I’m quite keen to see that we adopt more preventable approaches against dementia in our region’. Dementia awareness
Dr Jones says ‘There are many things we can do to prevent dementia or delay your risk of developing dementia. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, in particular regular exercise can make a significant difference’.
“We encourage the whole community to come together, not only to raise money for
Dementia Australia, but also to exercise together and to fight this disease” says Dr Jones.
The Northern Rivers Times Newspaper Edition 199
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