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Sharlene Ayala
Michelle Fernando
Mikaela Smith
Lyra Zhang

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The history behind the first Edible Garden

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The history behind the first Edible Garden

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Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California  first established the 'Edible Schoolyard Project' in 1995, this project encompasses a garden and kitchen classroom settings and provides a hands-on environment for students to apply skills learnt throughout their schooling. The founder of this project was Alice Waters an American chef, restaurateur, activist and author. Her motive behind this project was that she had noticed within the school settings it seemed as if children were not enjoying school or have any regard for it.

'The Edible Schoolyard in Berkeley has always had as its core a teaching rigor that takes the very best of Maria Montessori's philosophy of experiential learning and integrates those techniques to breathe life into the curriculum of the school' - Alice Waters

https://edibleschoolyard.org/node/78

http://edibleschoolyard.org/node/95

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Sustainability is having the resources to let current generations thrive, but leaving enough resources for future generations to sustain life. Leave enough for everyone, forever!

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Early Childhood Educators aim to implement Edible Gardens into the curriculum as a way of educating children, from all walks of life, about the relationship between humans and nature.
It is a way for promoting sustainability and helping children understand that a nutritional lifestyle is optimal for their health and wellbeing.
It is also a great way to reduce the Ecological Footprints in the ECE environment, and encourage the creation of healthy, fresh food for children's lunches.

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Here are some examples of childcares & kindergartens around Australia - and their efforts of EfS. Some schools involved in creating edible gardens in Queensland schools include:

Cleveland State School

Pacific Paradise State School

Palmwoods State School

Stella Maris State School

Eumundi State School

Caloundra State School

Noosaville State School

Montville State School

Mary Valley State School

Cooran State School

Peregian Beach State School

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School

Sunshine Coast Grammar School

Sunshine Beach Primary School

For more case studies on Edible gardens in schools, visit: http://www.organicschools.com.au
or
http://edibleschoolgardens.com.au

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Australian Dietary Guidelines: Recommended daily intakes (Toddlers and Adolescents - Girls & Boys)

Toddlers
Girls and boys 1-2 years
Vegetables and legumes: 2-3
Fruit: 0.5
Grains (cereal): 4
Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans: 1
Milk, yoghurt, cheese & alternatives : 1-1.5
Allowance for additional serves from any food group*: 0

Girls and boys 2-3 years
Vegetables and legumes: 2.5
Fruit: 1
Grains (cereal): 4
Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans: 1
Milk, yoghurt, cheese & alternatives : 1.5
Allowance for additional serves from any food group*: 0-1

Children
Girls 4-8 years
Vegetables and legumes: 4.5
Fruit: 1.5
Grains (cereal): 4
Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans: 1.5
Milk, yoghurt, cheese & alternatives : 1.5
Allowance for additional serves from any food group*: 0-1

Girls 8-11 years
Vegetables and legumes: 5
Fruit: 2
Grains (cereal): 4
Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans: 2.5
Milk, yoghurt, cheese & alternatives : 3
Allowance for additional serves from any food group*: 0-3

Boys 4-8 years
Vegetables and legumes: 4.5
Fruit: 1.5
Grains (cereal): 4
Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans: 1.5
Milk, yoghurt, cheese & alternatives : 2
Allowance for additional serves from any food group*: 0-2.5

Boys 8-11 years
Vegetables and legumes: 5
Fruit: 2
Grains (cereal): 5
Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, beans: 2.5
Milk, yoghurt, cheese & alternatives : 2.5
Allowance for additional serves from any food group*: 0-3

http://www.nutritionaustralia.org/national/resource/australian-dietary-guidelines-recommended-daily-intakes

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What is composting? Composting is the process of recycling decomposed organic materials into soil which is known as compost.

Why do we compost?
When composting the organic waste it returns nutrients back into the soil which benefits the plants to grow also continuing the cycle.

Why should children compost?
Composting teaches children to understand what happens to our rubbish once it leaves the kitchen and prevents them from pollution, it also teaches children to differentiate between non-biodegradable and biodegradable waste and how they can use biodegradable waste in their compost bins. There are many fun composting activities for children which a link will be provided for you to peruse through.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/hannah-churton/fun-composting-activities-for-kids_a_21702758/

http://www.recycleworks.org/compost/

https://urbangardenersrepublic.com/composting-for-kids-activities/

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How can Edible Gardens' assist in my child's Fine & Gross Motor Development?

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How can Edible Gardens' assist in my child's Fine & Gross Motor Development?

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Fine Motor Skills:
In their foundation years, children are developing their fine motor skills such as hand to eye coordination, as well as their finger, hand and arm manipulation. These skills are necessary for  their involvement in educational activities.
In saying that, when the children are gardening, they will be apply, strengthening and practicing these skills. Doing things like using a trowel, rake and picking up tiny seeds to plant.

Gross Motor Development:
This involves children developing their body management and object control skills. Children may partake in carrying tools, soil and water. They will also be using their muscles to balance and manage objects.

Sensory Development:
The five senses of Smell, Taste, Sight, Touch, & Hearing, are all developed at different stages. However, to encourage the advancement of a child's sensory development, educators can provide experiences through physical activities such as gardening. Encouraging sensory engagement in their surroundings, these sensory experiences will include feeling the texture of the leaves and soil, as well as the sensation of grass under your feet and smelling the garden with its plants.

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/gardening_with_young_children_helps_their_development

Davis, M. J. (2016). Young Children and the Environment (2 Eds) Chapter 2: Children in the natural world

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Go on an adventure and explore Mr. C's Green Library on Children's Book Daily!

Click the link below  to see a  collection of children's literature, fictional & non-fictional books, relatable to everything from the ground to your plate!!

http://childrensbooksdaily.com/gardening-sustainability-and-literature-for-children/

Teachers & Parents

A list of great resources of literature, useful to aid in the education of gardening, sustainability and healthy living.

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Australia's beautiful sun all year round, means for no bad seasons in gardening. So, take advantage Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring! Make your garden productive and full of life.

Find out below what veggies and fruit you can harvest this year!

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For more information, including tips and facts about nutrition in the home and school, visit the Nutrition Australia QLD:
https://naqld.org

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Health and Wellbeing risks and solutions

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Health and Wellbeing risks and solutions

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Go to Additional online resources for Health and Wellbeing for the links to this information.

Children and families can suffer from:
·         Family economic situations

o   Some families come from low socio-economic backgrounds which can have a substantial impact on their standard of living resulting in financial stress due to the insufficient resources to support their minimum standard of living. This can affect a child’s nutrition due to the family unable to provide quality food for their children such as fresh organic produce which can be quite expensive and certain grocery stores. Thus, resulting in families to invest in processes and packaged foods that are unhealthy.

·         Parental health status

o   Some children may have a parent or family member that is chronically ill which can be stressful for children and have a negative effect on their health and wellbeing. Due to this the family may be unable to provide physical, emotional or economic needs for their children which can have a long-term effect on the child’s mental health and behavioural problems. Another issue is that some families have no regard for their health and due to this decision, it can affect their child’s health as well.

·         Child abuse and neglect

o   Some children are privileged to grow up in safe family environments, whereas some are abused and/or neglected which can cause significant and long-term harm to them. This can be from a result of the family possessing poor social and academic skills, being a criminal offender or having mental health issues such as substance abuse and depression.

·         Depression and anxiety

o   Every family experiences difficulties and challenges which can result in depression and anxiety on behalf both the child and their parent’s, this can occur from specific life events (family breakups, loss and transitions), child’s family circumstances and living environment (relationship with parents or carers, family poverty and discrimination) and within a child (family history of mental health, natural abilities and temperament).

·         Obesity

o   Some children are victims to childhood obesity which is a growing concern in Australia, they are often victimised and teased by their peers which can contribute to poor peer relationships and psychological wellbeing. Children who are overweight or obese are at greater risks of health disorders such as coronary heart disease and many more.

Solutions to the risk factors:
·         Mandatory Duty of Report

o   Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals are now mandated by law Child Protection Act 1999 to report child safety concerns to the department, where there is a reasonable suspicion that the child has suffered, is suffering, or is at unacceptable risk of suffering, significant harm caused by physical or sexual abuse, and there is not a parent willing and able to protect the child from harm.

·         Providing families with contacts for counselling and online resources

o   Educators can provide families contacts for guidance counselling to their counsellor or provide alternate contacts and information from reliable sources for counselling. Educators could also direct families to their private specialist for health check-ups and if this is not an option for them suggest them going to bulk billed doctors and if this also is not an option for the family provide them online resources to medically certified health websites.

·         Encouraging daily physical activities within the curriculum

o   Physical education (P.E) is a subject within the curriculum that encourages daily physical activities for children that is an important component in leading to a healthy lifestyle. P.E promotes healthy growth and development, it relieves stress and promotes relaxation, helps achieve and maintain healthy weight, builds strong bones and muscles for children and many more. Another great way for educators and families to become healthy is to refer to the Australian Dietary Guideline which provided recommended daily intakes for toddlers and adolescents.

·         Providing information on local community support

o   Educators could provide information on local community support for families that struggle financial hardship. Lifeline Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army Australia and many more.

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How can an Edible Garden promote a healthy and happy lifestyle for my child?
Having a garden in the school or at home is a brilliant way for children to learn and educate others about sustainability, recycling and being healthy.  It is important for children to learn about sustainability as it is huge issue in modern times. Recycling is also another important topic to teach children, and can be beneficial
for making compost to assist the growth of the garden. Furthermore, another aspect of Edible Gardens is the nutrition side to it. Childhood obesity is a rising issue, and it is important as mentors and parental figures to teach the importance of healthy eating at a young age.

For more information about any of these following topic, click the links below:
Healthy Eating and Nutrition: https://naqld.org/services/food-smart-schools/

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Parents have a great responsibility when it comes to inspiring their children to be great. Sometimes, the stresses of life can really put a strain to the even greater stresses of parenthood. So to help out those in need, have a quick browse of all the useful resources below - the hard part of searching is over, here it all is.

WATCH THIS VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hNqkEh6nRo
Samantha Kurtzman-Counter from The Mother Company, explaining the benefits of creating an Edible Garden with her son, Jack.

CHECK THIS WEBSITE:
https://www.veryediblegardens.com.au/about-us/our-team/
Very Edible Gardens Pty Ltd, also known as VEG, is a Melbourne based permaculture design consultancy. This website has many garden designs & tips, blogs to read, events to that you can attend nearby, an online library to browse, and even courses you can complete to learn more!

HAVE A READ:
https://www.ngia.com.au/Folder?Action=View%20File&Folder_id=131&File=Munch_and_Crunch.pdf
Here is a very helpful online download, with very informative and helpful tips for your family and kids. As well as step-by-step instructions.

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Additional online resources for Health and Wellbeing

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Additional online resources for Health and Wellbeing

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http://www.aihw.gov.au/child-health/families-and-communities/#economic

http://www.aihw.gov.au/child-health/families-and-communities/#parental-health

http://www.aihw.gov.au/child-health/safety-and-security/#abuse

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-health-conditions-in-children/what-causes-depression-and-anxiety

http://www.aihw.gov.au/child-health/risk-factors/#overweight

https://www.communities.qld.gov.au/childsafety/protecting-children/about-child-protection/mandatory-reporting

https://www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au/default.aspx

https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Find_Help/QLD/Finances/

https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/financial-problems

https://salvos.org.au/need-help/financial-assistance/

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-Australian Early Development Census. (2015). Retrieved from: https://www.aedc.gov.au
-Australian Curriculum. (2017). Sustainability, Retrieved from: https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/Search/?q=edible%20garden
-Better Health Victorian Government. (2014). Gardening for Children, Retrieved from:      https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gardening-for-children
-Daley, Megan. (2016, March 8). Gardening, Sustainability, and Literature for children, Retrieved from: http://childrensbooksdaily.com/gardening-sustainability-and-literature-for-children/
-Huffington Post. (2017, January 30). Fun Composting Activities For Kids, Retrieved From: http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/hannah-churton/fun-composting-activities-for-kids_a_21702758/
-Kids Sense. (2017). Gross motor skills, Retrieved from: https://childdevelopment.com.au/areas-of-concern/gross-motor-skills/gross-motor-skills/
-Michigan State University. (2017, April 24). Gardening with young children helps their development, Retrieved from: http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/gardening_with_young_children_helps_their_development
-National Childcare Accreditation Council. (2010). Learning Naturally-gardening with children, Retrieved from: http://ncac.acecqa.gov.au/educator-resources/pcf-articles/Learning_naturally_gardening_w_chn_Sept10.pdf
-National Childcare Accreditation Council. (2008). Supporting Children’s Development, Retrieved from: http://ncac.acecqa.gov.au/educator-resources/pcf-articles/Supporting_children%27s_development_fine_motor_skills.pdf
-Queensland Government. (2017). Early Childhood Education and Care, Retrieved from: https://det.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood
Recycle Works. (2017). What is composting?, Retrieved From: http://www.recycleworks.org/compost/
-Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne,(2017) Insect Bites and Stings, retrieved from: http://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Insect_bites_and_stings/
-Urban Gardeners Republic. (2017). Composting for Kids: 4 Fun Activities, Retrieved From:  https://urbangardenersrepublic.com/composting-for-kids-activities/