Wednesday, April 22, 2015

By Alta Alexander


Gardening has been touted as a revolutionary teaching method for institutions handling children with special needs. Experts affirm that teaching gardening to special needs children in San Francisco, CA will help them develop social skills, independence and better self esteem. It has proven a natural and effective way of enhancing physical and mental strength which is vital for their development.

Preparation is crucial in getting the desired results from any endeavor. Researchers insist that the person responsible must find a perfect balance between different activities to achieve good results. There should be a range of activities with both long and short term results. This means a combination of weeding and planting. This balance is important in instilling the sense of achievement instantly and over time.

The activities should be planned before entering into the garden. Considering their learning ability, it is advisable to begin by demonstrating. Model behaviors are easier to copy. Constantly remind the children about the work at hand and what it is supposed to achieve. Throughout the session, you are required to reinforce the procedure by more demonstrations.

A repetitive routine is easier for children to learn and copy. Identify a comfortable and easy way of teaching the routine. It gives them the confidence that they can do whatever you want of them. With this motivation, they can complete the work easily and with least supervision.

Frequent gardening develops a routine that can be followed over time. This routine will only work if it is fun for the children. It creates a desire to do it again and again. It provides the motivation they require to continue working in the garden. The availability of snacks and drinks helps to replenish their energy and keep the team going.

The tools used should be appropriate for the task and friendly for use by children. This is not only for safety purposes but to make the exercise comfortable and enjoyable. Small hand tools, improvised old spoons and plastic tool sets are idea for such activities. Ensure that the children can easily handle the tools and fulfill their mandate.

Since the exercise is not only for fun, find a way of ensuring that things are done right. This means that the right number of seeds will be put into each hole. The size of the seeds should match with that of their hands. They should evenly distribute them around the garden. You may consider mixing the seeds with sand or loose soil if they are small. It is easier to achieve the right number for even distribution.

The project should allow children to decide what to grow as much as possible. It is easily done by providing them with options based on what is most appropriate. This enables them to own the project from the beginning. Plants that grow quickly motivate their activities and are therefore recommended.

Think of how the kids will maneuver through the rows. The path size and surfacing should be considered. Their safety is paramount when planning for any activity. These children should always be protected from elements such as the sun and rain. Emergency response measures should be in place including the availability of adequate personnel. A well planned and executed project will produce excellent results.




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