Toolkit #1
Growing Together: Foundations of Garden-Based Learning
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Toolkit 1: Foundations of Garden-Based Learning introduces educators to a relationship-centered approach to gardening with young children. Rather than focusing on perfect harvests or complex projects, this toolkit invites educators to slow down, observe alongside children, and build meaningful connections with soil, water, plants, and the natural world.
This foundational resource was designed for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (Birth–Five). By including the full early childhood age range in one toolkit, it supports the developmental continuum of learning and reflects the reality that many early childhood programs serve mixed-age classrooms. While developmental needs differ across these ages, the toolkit provides guidance and scaffolding to help educators adapt garden experiences so they remain meaningful and developmentally appropriate for every child. The toolkit is intentionally structured as a flexible, “choose-your-own-adventure” resource. It is not meant to be read from start to finish in one sitting. Instead, educators can move between sections depending on their needs—whether they are looking for safety guidelines, activity invitations, educator language, or family engagement strategies. Each section is modular and printable so programs can easily reference or share only the portions most relevant to their classrooms. |
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Although this toolkit is part of a broader garden learning cycle (Planning, Planting, Tending, and Harvesting), it is designed to function as a standalone resource. Educators can begin implementing garden-based learning even if they do not have access to the other modules.
As the entry point for the series, Toolkit 1 also establishes the philosophical foundation for garden-based learning in early childhood. It introduces key principles such as relationship-centered learning, safety practices, equity and sustainability, developmentally appropriate experiences, and responsive educator language. These concepts create a shared framework that later toolkits can build upon.
Recognizing that many educators may have little or no prior gardening experience, the toolkit includes expanded explanations, examples, and practical strategies to help build confidence. Garden-based learning does not require specialized expertise or elaborate materials—just curiosity, patience, and a willingness to explore alongside children.
More than a list of activities, this toolkit offers a flexible foundation for meaningful learning, helping educators create garden experiences that grow with children, classrooms, and communities over time.
As the entry point for the series, Toolkit 1 also establishes the philosophical foundation for garden-based learning in early childhood. It introduces key principles such as relationship-centered learning, safety practices, equity and sustainability, developmentally appropriate experiences, and responsive educator language. These concepts create a shared framework that later toolkits can build upon.
Recognizing that many educators may have little or no prior gardening experience, the toolkit includes expanded explanations, examples, and practical strategies to help build confidence. Garden-based learning does not require specialized expertise or elaborate materials—just curiosity, patience, and a willingness to explore alongside children.
More than a list of activities, this toolkit offers a flexible foundation for meaningful learning, helping educators create garden experiences that grow with children, classrooms, and communities over time.
