While the pandemic drags on, teachers and students are finding ways to grow and learn.
We are very grateful to receive some photos and comments, when teachers are already dealing with very busy schedules, changing student numbers and restrictions.
At Parkallen School, the students were growing beans and peas in clear plastic cups so that they could observe germination up close. The children were very excited to take their plants home. They also planted beans, peas, lettuce and radishes in their big boxes, and a sprouted onion from Ms Agrell-Smith’s home.
Earlier in the new year, we were able to accept a few new classes into our Little Green Sprouts program. The students grow a variety of microgreens, such as speckled peas, red radishes, popcorn and more. While the students do not grow full sized plants with fruit, the microgreen crops are ready in a very short time.
Here are some comments from Little Green Sprouts classes. From Jan Reimer School: “Today we got to taste the speckled peas and red radish shoots. We had some brave kiddos. We are enjoying watching them grow so quickly and having a blast talking about the life cycle of plants/seeds!”
At Richard Secord School, Ms Chankasingh reports success with two crops that are not easy to grow: “Our garden is a hit with my students! We are having so much fun with it. So far their favorite crops have been the popcorn and sunflowers.”
And here is a great, animated story of the Grade 3/4 class at Sweet Grass School.
There are also several full sized gardens growing happily and producing different crops. At Elmwood School, the Kindergarten class has a big trellis with Purple Peacock Pole Beans and other plants that are growing nicely. Ms Moreau writes: “Garden is looking great! It has been so exciting to get it up and running. Thanks for all of your support and guidance.”
At Madonna School, peas also needed a bit of support to grow and Ms Noel indicated that her students “really love the planting and watching things grow!”.
Due to concerns over sharing food, the students at Mount Royal School also grew a number of flowers. They grew a deep pink geranium from a cutting. Check out the beautiful Zinnias and Sunflowers the students grew from seed. Nasturtiums have edible leaves and flowers, taking a little longer to bloom.
While Little Green Thumbs is all about growing healthy food and herbs, we all know that beautiful flowers are good for the soul, especially in challenging times.
Let’s hope that all students have a chance to watch the amazing growth of seeds to plants this spring and summer.
Claudia Bolli, Little Green Thumbs
