As children, many of us experienced the wonder of watching a seed germinate and learning how plants grow. Gardening can provide a variety of forms of engagement for children including designing, planting, and maintaining gardens, harvesting, preparing, and sharing food, working cooperatively with others, learning about science and nutrition, and creating art and stories inspired by gardens and plant life. From colorful flowers, fruits and vegetables, crops like cotton and corn, trees, and more, plants provide a fascinating amount of diversity to the world around us.
There are many benefits of gardening education for children. Many adults recall vivid positive memories of play and exploration in gardens or natural settings. These childhood memories have been connected to an interest in gardening and a positive relationship with gardens and trees as people age. Collaboration in garden settings shows an increase in self-understanding, maturity, responsibility, and interpersonal skills between youth and adults. Gardens can also provide valuable youth education in life and biological sciences as well as nutrition and healthy living.
With UGA restrictions lightening up, Lincoln County Extension is thrilled to announce our partnership with the Lincoln County Library on our first in-person program of 2021, MG Sprouts. This six-week program is designed for youth ages 6-8 and will introduce students to the wonders of gardening through readings and activities conducted at the Lincoln County Library. Sessions will be held Tuesdays from June 8th through July 16th from 10-11AM and registration is required. Please contact the Lincoln County Extension Office at uge3181@uga.edu or 706-359-3233 to register your child. We will follow all University of Georgia and Greater Clarks Hill Regional Library System COVID-19 protocols to ensure safety of all participants.
MG Sprouts was designed to provide youth horticulture education that can be delivered regardless of weather or season and does not require a garden to participate. The goal of MG Sprouts is to provide fun horticulture activities that allow youth to develop positive experiences, make personal choices to explore growing plants, and connecting gardening practices with the health of the environment. The program combines read-aloud sessions to engage students in stories using books that teach concepts of growing things and the natural world. Following the story, students discuss and participate in hands-on activities and games. Take-home sheets and a journal help engage the student’s family in his or her discovery of the growing world. Through these activities, participants will learn about “ugly vegetables”, Jack’s garden, and plants gone wild. All materials and books will be provided to participants at no cost.
If you know of a youth aged 6-8 who is interested in the MG Sprouts program, or if you have questions about the program itself, please reach out to us and let us know at uge3181@uga.edu or 706-359-3233.
