Educating Middle Schoolers Through Gardening

This post is written by Mayra Miranda.

Mayra is a Health Educator at Erie Family Health Center - Johnson.

The idea of facilitating an After-School Gardening Club was a huge curve ball. Gardening has never been my forte; prior to my year of service, I had never attempted to grow anything. To my knowledge seeds only needed: soil, water, and sun. I immediately began reading every gardening curriculum I could find, attended gardening trainings, and volunteered at a nearby school garden. The more I explored gardening, the more I questioned myself.

April 21st was the start of the After-School Gardening Club at Johnson Elementary. Prior to this date, a lot of research and planning had taken place. I vividly remember walking into the school with a clip-board in hand. I knew that the students and myself were about to embark on a six week journey with many loose ends. When I entered the cafeteria, I saw 15 energetic 1st and 2nd graders. Their level of energy and excitement blew me away. With the help of my fellow CHC members, Maalika and Woody, we created group norms, cleaned the garden, and participated in team building activities. While on the bus back home, I reflected on the day and the many emotions I felt. Did the first day go as planned? Absolutely not. Did I accomplish the day's goals? Not even close.

Fast-forward to today; I look back at those six unforgettable weeks of After-School programming. I was able to take a topic so new to me and make it tangible for the students. As a team, we explored gardening and planted seeds not knowing if anything would grow. As a group, we tasted vegetables that students had never tasted before. On a personal level, gardening became a healing activity for me. Seeing how something so small could grow into a vegetable plant was symbolic not only of my growth in AmeriCorps, but life in general.

In a nutshell, I am glad that I faced this challenge head on. I have learned so much about myself and the various communities I serve. I learned how important community gardening is and the need for students to learn about nutrition and healthy eating. The seven garden beds that were once empty are now filled with numerous vegetables that include: radishes, carrots, lettuce, and spinach to name a few. I cannot wait to harvest the vegetables with the students and make a healthy meal with them. If someone were to ask me now what seeds need to grow? I would add grow box, compost, endless internet searches, and a touch of good luck to the list.