Apple School’s Garden

Apple School is participating in a National Program entitled “Taking Steps to Healthy Success”.  The goal of this program is to reduce childhood obesity through introducing healthier foods and increasing physical activity.  In order to focus our children’s attention on a variety of healthy vegetables we created a large garden which is part of the children’s daily curriculum during the growing season.  The children read books about vegetables and fruits, participate in art activities depicting garden produce, and learn songs and fingerplays about healthy foods and fun physical activity.  Most importantly, they are given the opportunity to plant seeds and seedlings of a wide variety of vegetables, water and tend the plants and, ultimately, harvest, help prepare and eat the fruits of their labor.  We have observed children taste and enjoy vegetables they have never tried.  They are proud of their efforts and have told their parents and friends “we grew our own salad”.

We hope their experience will help plant the “seeds” of healthy eating and a desire to try new foods and enjoy fresh produce. Perhaps, eventually, they will reap the benefits of healthy vegetables from their own garden.