Children learn healthy lifestyle habits like nutrition from a young age through hands-on experiences in gardening and trying new foods. Partnering with organizations like ABC Grow allows preschools to create educational gardens that teach science, language, math and nutrition concepts while involving families. The garden is used to expose children and parents to new foods through activities, workshops and recommended shopping lists.

2. Did You Know? Children learn to make decisions and develop foundations for healthy lifestyle during the early years Educators can help by participating with families to make changes to foster good health habits 8 to 12 experiences are necessary for a child to try and accept new food For preschoolers familiarity leads to preference and thus intake (neophobia- picky eater)

3. Gardening is a great learning tool A collaboration with ABC Grow

4. Involving Families and Community Through Gardening Community Connection- Working with partner Family Contribution- The Garden Party Connecting the garden to children’s learning A comprehensive Nutrition Education Program

5. Connecting With a Partner Finding a partner that is interest in passing the love of gardening to the next generation Your partner will always be your advisor who helps you figure out challenges

6. Family Contribution Participation in the building and maintaining of a vibrant and healthy garden Participating in family workshops Sharing new knowledge & nutrition tidbits Participating in the development of the “Suggested Shopping Lists” Participation of families in nutritional experiences

7. Connecting the Garden to Children’s Learning Science Concepts Children observe as plants grow from seeds How the ecosystem evolves as the plants respond to food, water and sun, or the lack thereof The effects of visiting insects and birds Observations and predictions around the garden

8. Connecting the Garden to Children’s Learning Language and Literacy Development Learning the names of the plants - Increased vocabulary Documenting the progress of the garden - Print awareness Reading books about the garden - Book Reading Following recipes at time of harvest - Increase vocabulary Recording Observations - Print awareness

9. Connecting the Garden to Children’s Learning Mathematical Thinking Count seeds and plants Recording rainfall Measuring plants and charting their growth Learning about sequence and spatial relationships as the garden changes over time

10. A Comprehensive Nutrition Education Program Educating early childhood teachers about nutrition Infusing the children’s program with experiences related to gardening and consuming new food Sharing stories and instruction with parents