As spring is in the air, we thought we’d share more about our year-round Urban Gardening program and how it is a truly beneficial educational experience. Far more than a simple outdoor activity, gardening is a holistic learning opportunity. At The Clover School, our Urban Gardening program includes:
As Montessori educators, we know that children are natural explorers, eager to understand the world around them through direct experience. Gardening embodies this principle perfectly, offering a living classroom where scientific concepts, practical life skills, and personal growth intertwine.
When children plant a seed, they're not just placing something in the ground—they're conducting a complex scientific experiment. They learn about:
A tiny seed becomes a window into understanding the intricate systems of life, with children as active researchers observing each stage of growth.
Gardening in our Montessori classrooms teaches children crucial practical skills:
Children learn to measure soil moisture, understand proper planting depths, and recognize the importance of consistent care—lessons that extend far beyond the garden.
The garden is also a powerful emotional learning environment:
When children grow their own food, something magical happens. They develop:
Our Urban Gardening program at The Clover School has been a great opportunity to introduce our students to entrepreneurship. Each year, our Elementary students plant, grow and harvest a number of vegetables and herbs in order to cook healthy soups for their small business, Soup Cellar. Students develop the whole business from what soups to produce, to how much to charge, to how to market each soup through filmed commercials and flyers.
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that connection with nature is fundamental to a child's development. Gardening isn't just about growing plants—it's about growing curious, capable, compassionate humans who understand their connection to the world around them.
This spring, we invite you to dig in, get your hands dirty, and witness the incredible learning that happens in a garden.