Madam, – I very much welcome Margaretta D’Arcy’s motion carried by Aosdána (“O’Connor one of five new Aosdána members” by Rosita Boland, April 5th) calling on Minister for Education, Ruairí Quinn to ensure the continuation of the “innovative changes in the primary school curriculum whereby children are taught through diverse art practices ranging from music to drama, from painting to gardening”.
As a horticulturalist and heritage specialist under the Heritage in Schools Scheme, working in the west, I have first-hand experience of the benefits of gardening in primary schools.
Preliminary results of a survey we are currently conducting in Co Galway confirm my experiences. They show that while teachers perceive school gardening as having only a moderate impact on areas such as literacy, numeracy and oracy, the impact appears to be very significant in children’s motivation and readiness to learn, independent thinking, the ability to follow instructions, problem solving, improved concentration, inspiration for art and creativity, and also being content and having fun.
Contentment and confidence go a long way in providing our children with the frame of mind that will allow them to take their English, Irish and Maths lessons on board.
Teachers also find that there is a noticeable improvement in motor skills and social skills in pupils who garden regularly at school. While gardening activities improve children’s physical and emotional health in general, the impact is particularly noticeable in pupils with special educational needs and behavioural problems.
Children who interact with nature in a school garden setting have a better understanding and appreciation of the environment.
I sincerely hope Mr Quinn will provide schools and teachers with the support they need to establish new and develop existing school gardens and include school gardening as a subject in teacher training.
If we want to avoid future economic crises, safeguard our natural heritage and look forward to a fair and equal society we need to start with our children and provide them all with a solid and holistic education. A simple activity such as gardening can go a long way in helping to secure this. – Yours, etc,