Barringer Academic CenterElementary School Gardens

Year One 2007-2008

School’s Goal for the Garden Project

Kindergarten through Fifth grade students, representing different ages and backgrounds, will become botanists, by planting, nurturing, observing, harvesting and tasting the fruits (and vegetables) of their labors.

November 8, 2007 – Planting Day!

Planting Our Garden

"I learned how to plant vegetables and how to take care of them by watering and

putting them in places where they get enough sunlight. I also learned that

cauliflower tastes better than I thought it tasted. Before I thought it was nasty, but

after tasting it, it was delicious."-Alex, grade 5

"I got to see what different fruits and vegetables look like before they've totally grown. I never was really interested in fruits and vegetables

before I got to grow them. ...I am thinking about growing a garden in our huge backyard which

will have fruits and vegetables of all kinds. This was a great experience for me and I recommend

it for children of all ages."-Psalms, grade 5

My Own Garden

“I hope when I grow up I grow a garden. I will put watermelon in my garden and

carrots and squash.”-Cameron, grade 2

November 9, 2007 – Garden Celebration Day!

Official Garden Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The Science of Planting

"I learned that anybody can be a good gardener…I also learned that certain crops

should be grown at different times. For instance, you shouldn't grow a peach or tomato in the winter! ...Something I am

doing due to the garden is eating a ton of fruits and vegetables!"

-Lily, grade 5

Patience

“This year, we planted a garden at school. I learned to be patient to plant it. I used to

eat only brown. Now, I eat green!-Niya, grade 2

How To Garden

“When I grow up I’m going to grow my own food. The reason a garden is good is

because you get to plant, water it, then pick it out, then eat it.”- De’Andre, grade 2

Fall Harvest Tasting Party – March 6, 2008

Tasty!

"I love tasting new vegetables. I liked the tasting party because I got to taste new

vegetables. I would love to try new vegetables every day if I could. I want to

plant vegetables I've never heard of. I like to watch the seeds go from seeds to

plants."-Cobe, grade 2

Healthy Food, Healthy Body

“I love gardening because it is fun to garden at school and I like to garden and compost with my class and my friends. My teacher

is a gardener and so am I. The food is healthy for you. You got to stay healthy

for your body.”-Jamiya, grade 2

For my Family

“I hope that I can grow food to feed my family so they will not be hungry. I asked my mommy could I grow some vegetables inside the dirt and she said she would buy

some.”-Katrice, grade 2

What is Growing at Barringer?

We grew so much more than vegetables in our garden this year. We grew in hope, trust, confidence, and patience.

We learned that we can try new things, learn from our mistakes, and keep our bodies healthy through our choices each day.

The Gardening Experience"I loved watching the vegetables, herbs, and fruit grow.

I would notice the changes that happened to our garden. …After all the vegetables were picked, we

had a tasting party with broccoli, cauliflower, coleslaw and collard greens. I was willing to try new vegetables that I had never heard nor seen. I would

like to plant green beans, onions, potatoes, or tomatoes.

…Gardening has been my favorite school activity this year. It has now made me more responsible."

-Sahil, grade 2

"I have been thinking about which vegetables I wanted to plant next year. Here are some ideas that I had. I've

decided on having strawberries, tomatoes and a ton of green beans."

-Ashley, grade 2

We learned, we played, we grew.

The End