This month, classrooms will begin the Learn, Grow, Eat & GO! (LGEG) Junior Master Gardener program – a hands-on, evidence-based, and academically rich curriculum that is designed to improve the health and wellness of our children, families, and the entire school community. 

This study, began by a team of researchers and Extension Specialists from Texas A&M University, helps to reduce childhood obesity, improve physical activity and practice better eating habits. Mrs. Erika, Hullabaloo classroom lead teacher explained, “This program allows the children hands-on opportunities of learning how a plant grows and get to experience tasting vegetables [that they have] grown.” 

The LGEG curriculum provides rich and engaging daily lessons based around plant themes, with group activities and learning experiences that are intended for whole class participation. Students love to learn about the nutrients plants need and how plants use those nutrients to grow. The classroom teachers added that these lessons are a “great way to get an understanding [on how] to take care of something and [then have the opportunity to] taste what they cared for and learned about.”   

Every classroom has the opportunity to create an easy-to-build garden as well as maintaining their classroom garden. With the donations from parents and families, each classroom will be able to plant, care for, and harvest their own garden! If you are interested in supporting a classroom’s garden, we  are accepting donations of items such as plants, seeds, soil and watering cans. When asked for an experience that was great for the children, the Gig ‘Em classroom teachers shared, “Our carrots hit the bottom of the garden bed but continued to grow. This made them a funny shape which the kids loved! We sure enjoyed tasting them as well as sharing with others.”

This curriculum gives students opportunities to apply critical thinking and hands-on skills while exploring first-hand experiences. The classes will get a true taste of nutrient-dense food from growing their garden. Students will also be able to describe the sensory experiences of sampling their fresh food! The 12th Man classroom teachers shared, “We made fruit smoothies with pineapple, coconut milk, and spinach. The kids were reluctant to try the spinach and ended up loving it [and] not even being able to taste the spinach.” Every child went home with great experiences and a happy tummy!