New research shows gardening ‘makes children happy and teaches new skills

Time spent gardening at school can improve your child’s happiness as well as boosting their development.
Research commissioned by the Royal Horticultural Society looked at 1,300 teachers in 10 schools and found that when a school encouraged children to participate in gardening activities they became more confident, resilient, healthier and their readiness to learn also improved dramatically. Dr Simon Thornton Wood of the Royal Horticultural Society said “Schools which integrate gardens into the curriculum are developing children who are much more responsive to the challenges of adult life.”
The Royal Horticultural Society wants to see gardening as a key teaching tool rather than an extra-curricular activity. Other research carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research also shows that gardening helps to enhance a child’s problem solving ability as well as improving literacy and numeracy, which as we all know are fundamental parts of a child’s education.
Both studies found that children who were involved in gardening activities took a more inquisitive approach to learning. The exposure to small insects and bugs was found to help children overcome their fears and anxieties and waiting for plants to grow and develop taught the children about patience.
With growing concerns over childhood obesity and the lack of knowledge about healthy foods, gardening can be a great learning tool to educate young children on the right foods to eat, healthy living and healthy eating. The children who participated in gardening at school were overall more likely to try new vegetables that they had grown themselves.
As a parent, grandparent or carer you can help your child’s development at home by spending time with them in the garden. At Jacks Garden Store you will find a great range of childrens starter kits which you can grow with your child. Giving a child their very own section in your garden or a small planter or raised bed will help encourage them to spend time outdoors and help boost their educational development.
Good Luck
Gardener Jack!