Gardening, Baking and Building Confidence

Students have really enjoyed gardening with me and have embraced the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities. Getting outdoors and spending time in the garden has created a positive and relaxed environment where students can connect with nature, develop new skills, work together and build stronger connections with school.

One particularly rewarding experience has been seeing a student who experiences significant school refusal become engaged through our gardening and cooking activities. He especially enjoyed reading recipes and helping with baking. This was a significant achievement, as reading is something he does not usually engage in.

Seeing him choose to read a recipe, follow instructions and participate in creating something with his own hands was a wonderful success. It demonstrated how meaningful, practical and outdoor learning experiences can provide students with opportunities to engage in ways that feel enjoyable and achievable. For this student, gardening and baking have opened the door to positive experiences with reading, learning and school.

The other students enjoyed gardening club – planning seeds, measuring leaf growth with rulers (practicing maths at the same time!) and at the end of last term, we made vegetable tarts. One student exclaimed ‘This is the fanciest food I’ve ever eaten!”

Most importantly, gardening has provided students with a chance to step outside, enjoy fresh air, connect with nature and experience the benefits of learning beyond the classroom.

Your financial support, prayer and advocacy for chaplaincy can ensure more positive seeds are planted for future generations to flourish. Contact us today to find out how you can be a part of growing something wonderful!