ABSTRACT
Children have a natural qffinity towards nature. Dirt, water, plants, and small animals attract and hold children's attentionfor hours, days, even a lifetime.
What does growing offer young children? Learning through doing and a wide range of real experiences Streng emotional contexts Intimate everyday contact with the natural world, giving a deep sense of belonging Opportunities for lots of physical ac tivity Opportunities for lots of sensory development and sensory integration Ways of working in line with their own schematic interests (schemas) Stimuli for working together, talking and sharing discoveries Opportunities to be responsible for the well-being of living things I ntcrest in tasting and eating healthy food A softer, attractive and pleasant outdoor environment for play Foundations for attitudes and intercsts that can last through life
Figure 3.2 Gardening and growing offer endless opportunities for real thinking and learning.
