Third-grade teachers Cayla Baker and Courtney Buckles oversaw the Garden Club, a weekly extracurricular activity new to the school this year. About 30 students from third through eighth grade were split into groups of five, and each team was responsible for their own garden.
The club started in March and students worked with small plant cells while they waited for the weather to improve. Once the weather turned the corner, students planted their cells in garden beds outside on school grounds. They grew plants such as lettuce, carrots, beets, radishes, and herbs.
Scholars learned about planting flowers and vegetables, learning the basics such as how deep in the soil to plant a seed, how far apart each plant should be, and much more.
Baker and Buckles said students participated in each phase of the entire process. From planting the seeds to maintaining them, students led the way.
“Owning the process is important because it gives them a sense of responsibility,” Baker said. “They have a sense of ownership of their garden. If they’re the ones responsible for anything, they’re more likely to follow through with everything.”
Students were able to take plants home with them once school was out so they could help their plants finish growing at home. In the future, Baker and Buckles said they will aim to start the club earlier and finish the school year with a picnic featuring the herbs and vegetables each team of students grew.
The club had groups of five students each take ownership of their own garden in raised garden beds outside the school.
The club also focused on the basics of gardening, including how to plant seeds, how far down in the soil to go, and the amount of water and sunlight gardens need. Students gained knowledge that they’re able to use at home in their own gardens. With engaging extracurricular activities like the Garden Club, it’s no surprise the school has outperformed the local district for 16 years.
The group’s efforts weren’t limited to only vegetables in their garden. Scholars took on a Mother’s Day project, putting their newfound skills to use for a perfect gift for Mom.
“They painted a Mother’s Day pot and planted marigolds to take home,” Buckles said. “They were really excited to have something to show their parents. They had a lot of fun.”
Students met weekly and planted vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, radishes, and more.
Fun was a common thread each week for the Garden Club, and students weren’t afraid to get in the soil. Baker said students were eager to show off how dirty their hands got each week.
These two Keystone educators hoped to pass on the same love for gardening and plants they have to their students. Baker and Buckles both mentioned they got into gardening as a hobby with their parents. It’s safe to say Keystone scholars developed an affinity for the garden, and that won’t end soon.
Baker and Buckles said they hope to expand the Garden Club with more students and a wider variety of vegetables to grow. They are excited to involve even more scholars next year.
The Garden Club used raised garden beds to do its planting this year.
Great work, Cayla and Courtney! Excited to see what the Garden Club has in store!
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About Keystone Academy
Keystone Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Belleville, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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