It is now a well-established fact that outdoor activities in contact with nature promote the cognitive development and resilience to illnesses in children. Additionally, these activities foster creativity and awareness of the world around them. Numerous initiatives have been taken to provide children with the necessary green spaces even in urban contexts, starting from the famous "kindergarten" designed by the pedagogue Friedrich Fröbel, to the more modern and innovative concept of urban farming.

The garden: a source of education for children

Being immersed in an interactive and stimulating environment like that of an urban garden allows children to develop great sensitivity and powers of observation. The activities and changes that children can explore in the garden transform every moment into an educational and enjoyable opportunity. In particular, agricultural practices are especially educational for young children as they represent their first sensory approach to colors, scents, and shapes.

"Look, it has grown!" ,"The flower has bloomed!" ,"Why has it changed color?"

These are just some of the questions and considerations that can arise in this stimulating and ever-changing environment, ensuring that children spend several hours a week engaging in outdoor play, sharing, and connecting with nature.

 

Respect, patience, and collaboration: the values of nature

Caring for the garden is a simple activity for children that manages to convey important values. The growth of a seed involves children in the work of adults, increasing their sense of responsibility from an early age, as well as enhancing their environmental awareness and family bonding. Taking care of a plant together with their family is an excellent way to teach the concepts of collaboration, teamwork, and facilitate dialogue.

Moreover, cultivating a garden for children means learning to "slow down." The Slow Pedagogy, a method that focuses on rediscovering slower rhythms, observing nature, and savoring tastes, explains how important it is in increasingly frenetic urban contexts to cultivate patience to bring calmness to children and combat stress.

A healthy diet from an early age

Various studies also show that involving children in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables is an excellent method to introduce them to a healthier lifestyle and a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It also helps them become familiar with the concepts of seasonality and the natural rhythm.

Often, the only food supply context that children come into contact with is the supermarket, which is governed by economic principles far from those of nature. Buying vegetables and fruits at the supermarket makes it quite difficult to understand what is in season, as almost everything is available year-round.

Not everything can be grown all year round, nor everywhere!

 

Introducing children to the concept of seasonality and origin through agricultural activities will also make them more sensitive to environmental and sustainable issues.

An excellent method to do this is to build a small garden at home

This is a simple but impactful activity, both educationally and for the overall well-being of the family. You don't need much space, a garden, or a plot of land to start a small garden.

With Poty, you can comfortably and safely cultivate together with your children right on your balcony. All you need is one square meter to have a garden full of fresh fruits and vegetables all year round, in a simple, healthy, and accessible way for everyone.

You don't need much space, a garden, or a plot of land to start a small garden. With Poty, you can comfortably and safely cultivate together with your children right on your balcony. All you need is one square meter to have a garden full of fresh fruits and vegetables all year round, in a simple, healthy, and accessible way for everyone.

Discover how to start an urban garden with Poty and involve your family in a unique agricultural experience!

Bibliography:

• https://doc.studenti.it/riassunto/padagogia/frobel.html

• https://www.unibo.it/QualityAssurance/Reports2016/Report-8474-2016.pdf

• http://www.emiliaromagnamamma.it/2013/10/a-faenza-nascera-un-nido-ispirato-alla-pedagogia-della-lumaca-di-zavalloni/

• https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com

Photos by Filip Urban on Unsplash