Paul is the Garden Teacher at Unity School. He holds a doctorate degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon and has three years of experience in outdoor education in the Navajo Nation, where he worked with K-12 students on land restoration and sustainable farming. Paul leads daily classes that engage students in playful outdoor activities designed to foster relationships with the plants and animals in the garden and surrounding landscape. He also maintains and improves the school’s landscaping.

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Anna, our previous garden teacher, now turned sub has a special education degree, and currently in school for her masters. She plays a vital role in both the garden and landscape programs. Dani, the program director, oversees and manages the garden, providing weekly assistance.

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We use the Tend, Gather, Grow curriculum in the garden classes, which focuses on Native Agriculture, reintroduces first foods into gardens, and is based on principles of respect for our land and giving back. This curriculum also incorporates many lessons on social-emotional learning in the garden.

 

Each classroom has garden time once a week, which begins with a welcoming garden song. After the song, there is a discussion about the day’s lesson, followed by time dedicated to discovery, exploration, planting, and harvesting.

 

Fun activities for the children in the garden include creating delicious recipes in the mud kitchen, setting up fairy homes in the fairy garden, and participating in seasonal gardening tasks such as planting, harvesting, raking, and watering.

 

The children practice Honorable Harvesting, which involves asking for permission, taking only small amounts, sharing the harvest with friends, and expressing gratitude.

 

There are countless opportunities for children to learn and play in the garden. They explore, ask questions, engage in collaborative play, relax, and develop a deeper love for nature and the Earth.