Play offers children valuable opportunities to learn through discovery, creativity, and imagination. At our Centres, we extend this approach to include lessons about sustainability and caring for the planet. Recently, toddlers in the Kororoit Creek Centre embraced gardening activities alongside their educators, transforming this simple act into a rich learning experience. Gardening not only cultivates plants but also helps children develop essential skills they can use throughout their lives.
Here are some of the many benefits children gain from gardening:
Sensory exploration
Gardening is a sensory-rich activity. Children dig their hands into the soil, water plants, and feel the textures change as they grow. These tactile experiences spark curiosity and help children build a deeper connection with the natural world.
Building responsibility
Caring for plants teaches children about responsibility. Nurturing a seed into a thriving plant requires consistent care and attention. Children feel proud of their efforts and enjoy the satisfaction of watching their plants grow, fostering accountability from a young age.
Developing motor skills
Gardening activities, such as planting seeds, scooping soil, and watering plants, offer fun ways to enhance motor skills. These tasks improve hand-eye coordination and build strength in small muscle groups, which support focus and other key developmental milestones.
Promoting healthy eating habits
When children grow fruits and vegetables themselves, they gain an appreciation for healthy foods. Being involved in the entire process from planting to harvest gives them a sense of ownership. They are often more excited to try and enjoy the nutritious produce they’ve helped grow, even if they're picky eaters.
Emotional wellbeing
Gardening introduces moments of patience, calm, and joy, supporting emotional growth. It builds children’s confidence as they see their hard work pay off and encourages a sense of mindfulness as they connect with nature.
By incorporating gardening into children’s daily routines, we help young learners appreciate sustainability while fostering essential life skills. From watering plants to watching a seed sprout, these small but meaningful actions show children that they can make a difference—not just in their backyards but in their communities and the world. Together, we’re growing more than gardens; we’re nurturing a generation of empowered and resourceful young change-makers.
