Excellent!

10/10
I chose The Garden for my thematic unit for the seemingly endless amount of
possibilities it has. I hope to introduce agriculture while inspiring collaboration, supporting
creativity, and improving well-being. Answering uestions along the way about where their food
comes from, how and what plants need to grow, and the importance of fruits and vegetables. The
garden supports emergent learning because there are opportunities for them to e!plore fruits and
vegetables, insects, soil, weather, grass, animals, and many other things as well. It invites
children to e!perience life at a level that is developmentally appropriate for them in a rich
environment that supports play both inside and outside of the classroom.
"hildren that are # to $-years-old interact better with their environment in its natural
form% when they are outside% and involved in hands-on learning. The garden wholly supports and
accommodates students with varying degrees of disabilities including but not limited to
hyperactivity by allowing them to run around outside, visual impairment by using touch and
smell, and &nglish-language proficiency. In the Social Studies lesson children have an
opportunity to e!plore diverse food from other cultures by sharing fruits and vegetables brought
from home. 'urthermore, the garden unit integrates other curriculum areas such as( Language
and Literacy with the flannel board and introduction to new boo)s, Math by sowing seeds in the
garden, and Science by germinating lima beans. &ach connected with and in care of children*s
multiple intelligences. At first glance, the garden may appear to only support the naturalist mode
of intelligence by the many environmental activities but in reality it delves into many others if not
all of them. Bodily-Kinesthetic learners will be supported though a field trip and e!pressing the
growth of seeds through their movements. Logical-Mathematical learners will succeed by
measuring in the garden. "hildren who e!cel in Intrapersonal skills will thrive by
communicating, sharing, and wor)ing together towards a common goal.
The classroom environment, which is held both indoors and outdoors, will fully support
the children throughout the life of this curriculum. I believe all involved will benefit( children,
teachers, parents and the community. Teachers will benefit as they continually observe, assess and
reflect on these activities. +arents and the community will benefit as children are e!posed to
positive environmental issues, healthy foods, and sustainable growth.