Learn and Grow Kit - Pre-school

This kit is full of fun and educational activities for parents or teachers to do with pre-school children. It is aligned to the ECD curriculum and works in conjunction with Reel Gardening seed tape and Grow Pod. The aim of this kit is to teach children valuable lessons through a practical approach to food gardening.

The Reel Kinder activities book consists of 125 fun-filled pages for grades 000, 00, 0/R.

Learning to grow vegetables and plants is important for personal health, environmental well-being, financial savings, and education. It provides fresh, nutritious food while offering a way to relax, connect with nature, and build a sense of community.

Health benefits

• Access to fresh, organic produce: By growing your own food, you control the entire process and can avoid harmful pesticides and chemicals. Freshly harvested vegetables are also more nutrient-dense than those that have travelled long distances.
• Improved nutrition: Growing your own produce allows you to choose from a wider variety of vegetables, many of which are more flavourful and nutritious than store-bought options.
• Physical exercise: Gardening is a full-body workout that involves digging, planting, and weeding. This regular, moderate physical activity can improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
• Mental well-being: The therapeutic nature of gardening has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can lower the stress hormone cortisol, enhance your mood, and provide a sense of peace. 

Environmental benefits

• Reduced carbon footprint: Growing food locally eliminates the need for long-distance transportation, which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions from commercial farming.
• Lower pesticide and fertilizer use: You can opt for organic and sustainable methods, avoiding the chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in large-scale agriculture that can cause soil and water pollution.
• Increased biodiversity: Diversifying your garden with different types of plants provides a better habitat for beneficial insects like bees, which are essential for pollination.
• Waste reduction: Home gardeners are more likely to use their produce fully, minimizing food waste. Organic kitchen scraps can also be composted to create natural, nutrient-rich fertilizer. 

Educational benefits

• Learning about natural processes: Gardening offers a hands-on learning experience for children and adults. It teaches about plant life cycles, ecosystems, soil health, and the effects of weather.
• Patience and responsibility: The process of nurturing a plant from a tiny seed to harvest teaches patience and responsibility. It provides a tangible example of how consistent care leads to rewards.
• Healthier eating habits for children: Children who are involved in growing their own fruits and vegetables are more likely to try and enjoy them, helping them develop healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime.
• Problem-solving skills: Gardeners learn to observe and respond to problems like pests, disease, and weather changes. This fosters a "growth mindset" and teaches practical problem-solving. 

Financial and social benefits

• Cost savings: Although there can be an initial investment in seeds and tools, growing your own food can significantly reduce your grocery bill over time, especially for expensive produce.
• Self-sufficiency and resilience: Knowing how to grow your own food provides a sense of security and self-reliance, helping you prepare for supply chain disruptions or other crises.
• Sense of community: Gardening can be a social activity, connecting you with neighbours in community gardens or online groups. Sharing gardening tips and extra produce can build a stronger sense of community.
• Enjoyment and satisfaction: Finally, there is the simple pleasure and profound sense of accomplishment that comes from harvesting and eating food you have grown yourself. Many find gardening to be a deeply rewarding and meaningful hobby.

Read this short and insightful blog post by Doug De Luca to learn more. https://community.thriveglobal.com/the-importance-of-teaching-children-how-to-garden/