Read-y in the Garden
Literacy Outside
In other articles, I have discussed how a garden is a great learning environment for so many subjects not just the natural sciences. A garden is an “exploreum” for math, shapes, colors, textures, history, social studies and literacy. We here at Cleveland Botanical Garden, believe in the power of stories and the importance of literacy. We infuse literature into as many aspects of what we do as possible. Visitors may find story books available to read both in the Eleanor Squire Library and the tree house of Hershey Children’s Garden. We also annually partner with the Cleveland Public Library System, hosting their winter reading awards event. Most of our school programs too are linked with pertinent books.
Well, it is nice to toot our horns, but what about you the parent at home? What can you do? For one, come on down, and with a membership, you can select from a wide range of children’s books dealing with nature or gardening. You can also head to your local library branch and snag some good materials. Then, block out time to read with your children. I like to read a little ahead looking for what stuff the story contains that I might send the children out to find in the garden, or what role playing experience I can shape, or what appropriate craft makes real what the story made so enchanting. A little preparation can go a long ways to creating the type of life shaping experiences that develop good earth stewards.
Posted by Josh Steffen
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