Unearthing Possibility: Connecting Children with Nature Through School Gardens

• In Event: Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: Experiences in Nature and Outdoor Education

Abstract

Fostering children’s relationship with nature to develop their sense of environmental stewardship is an important means to redressing current damage to the planet caused by human over-consumption and our collective failure to connect with the natural world. School garden programs are a meaningful way to promote children’s sense of connection to nature. This paper describes findings from an 8-month qualitative study investigating how a school garden program at one public elementary school in southeastern Ontario enhanced children’s experience of school and promoted their sense of environmental stewardship. Data collected from eight students through observations, semi-structured interviews, and photo-elicitation strategies identified seven themes associated with positive effects of school gardens towards creating enhanced and lively experiences of school for children.

Authors

• Rena B. Upitis, Queen's University

• Scott Frederick Hughes, Mount Royal University

• Anna Peterson, Queen's University

• Jennifer Elisabeth Davis, University College of the North