An Iconic Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn once said, “To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” To reflect this notion and in a bid to instill a profound sense of responsibility for the environment in students, Apeejay School, Noida organised a gardening activity for the young minds called ‘Learning by Doing’. This hands-on experience aimed to connect children with nature.
The students were encouraged to get their hands dirty and connect with the natural world around them. Under the watchful guidance of dedicated teachers, students were armed with child-safe gardening tools to sow seeds of flowering plants and vegetables.
From the outset, it was evident that this activity was not just about digging in the soil but also about cultivating a profound understanding of nature’s cycles. Afterward, the students were bolstered to water the plant beds, fostering a deep sense of responsibility and a connection to the natural world. This act of nurturing the plants not only cultivated their awareness but also instilled a profound appreciation for the environment and the importance of conservation.
However, the learning did not stop there. Class II students engaged in a separate activity that allowed them to observe seeds they had previously planted in pots. This exercise was designed to help them internalise the various stages of a plant’s growth journey. The joy they derived from watching the tiny seeds take root and grow was a testament to the magic of nurturing life.
Beyond the obvious environmental benefits, this engaging activity played a pivotal role in the holistic development of the students. By caring for their plant beds, they developed cognitive skills by learning about the vital needs of plants, the significance of sunlight and water, and the role of soil in sustaining life. The delicate handling of gardening tools refined their fine motor skills, while the physical exertion involved in gardening contributed to the development of gross motor skills.
In an age where the bond with nature is increasingly strained, endeavours like the gardening initiative at Apeejay School shine brightly as beacons of hope. Through these initiatives, students not only sow seeds in the soil but also sow seeds of consciousness, cultivating a profound sense of environmental responsibility and nurturing vital life skills. They are sowing the seeds of a future that gleams with sustainability and promise. As they tend to their green companions, they simultaneously nurture a brighter and more sustainable tomorrow, one where a harmonious relationship with the environment is at the heart of our collective journey.