In many early childhood education settings, it's not uncommon to hear educators say, "Oh, we do have some native plants, but we don't know what they are," or, "We used to, but they died." It's a familiar challenge that can feel overwhelming, yet it's worth addressing due to the myriad benefits bush tucker gardens bring to learning environments.
The Importance of Understanding Your Garden
Having native plants in your garden isn't just about aesthetics. These plants open up opportunities to teach children about traditional seasons, agricultural practices, and cultural heritage. They also create green corridors that enhance biodiversity. However, without knowing what plants you have, it becomes challenging to leverage these benefits fully.
Engaging Children in Identification
Here’s how you can turn the challenge of plant identification into an engaging learning opportunity for children:
- Mapping and Identification:Create a map of your garden with the children, and whenever you add a new plant, place its name and a bit of information about it on the map. Use identification apps like iNaturalist, Plant This, or Google Lens to discover what plants you have together, fostering curiosity and research skills in the children.
Building Educational Resources
To ensure the ongoing educational value of your garden:
- Create a Booklet or Posters:Collaborate with the children to make booklets or posters that showcase each plant's details and uses. This creative process enriches their learning experience and gives them a sense of pride and ownership in their surroundings.
- Utilise Bush Tucker Research Cards:Include research cards as part of your learning materials, which can provide more in-depth knowledge about the native plants, helping children understand their importance and uses.
Ensuring Plant Survival
For a garden that thrives:
- Choose Mature Plants:It's wise to invest in mature plants rather than seedlings. Native plants grow slowly, and mature plants are more resilient to the enthusiastic attention they'll receive from young caretakers.
- Research and Care: Before planting, research which native plants are endemic to your region to increase the likelihood of their success.
Active Participation and Learning
Throughout all activities, remember the importance of involving children actively. Let them lead the discovery, explore their environment, and nurture their innate curiosity. By doing so, you create engaged, knowledgeable, and responsible future caretakers of their natural and cultural heritage.
Discovering and understanding the native plants in your bush tucker garden is more than just a task — it's an opportunity for educational growth and environmental stewardship. By embracing these practices, early childhood educators can transform their gardens into thriving environments for learning and connection to the land.
