Sharing Challenges Discussion - Summer 2022 by Teaching in Nature's Classroom https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg After viewing sharing challenges videos from fellow course members, please share your thoughts and reflections by clicking the "+" symbol under the different question headings below. If you are comfortable including your name in your post, please login with Google by clicking the "LOG IN" button at the top right corner of this screen prior to adding your post. Alternatively, you can add your name directly in your post or choose to post anonymously. Please also feel free to continue the discussion by adding comments to fellow course members' posts! en-us 2022-04-20 16:05:43 UTC 2025-10-11 17:07:49 UTC hello@padlet.com Convincing Admin https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228092820 From the previous videos that I have watched and listened to, we all have some difficulty of convincing the higher ups that the benefits of the garden will be worth the time and effort going into them.]]> 2022-06-22 18:15:53 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228092820 Challenges https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228094169 I also noticed that time/effort and knowledge were common themes. Everything from "I don't know anything!" to "I don't have the time!" I've realized that if I want this to work, I have to make the time. ]]> 2022-06-22 18:17:52 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228094169 Suggestions https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228096113 If this is something you are passionate about (it mostly likely is because you are HERE) then fight for what you believe in. You may need to do it quietly, like I am planning, but will need to come through with proof that there is something positive happening and that it is linked to what you are teaching. Have the students show what they have learned and let their excitement speak for you.]]> 2022-06-22 18:20:33 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228096113 Questions https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228097677 How did the challenges that you overcame effect you? Did you struggle and have moments of doubt? How did you continue to be motivated when it may have only been you who was working so hard towards your goal?]]> 2022-06-22 18:23:11 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228097677 My Sources of Help https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228099576 Green Our Planet and their coordinators and the farmer who comes to my school has been my resource. I plan to share my plans with them this year so that I can get the help and the support that I need to make my class the guinea pigs for the future garden vision that I have. 

https://greenourplanet.org/virtual-academy/]]> 2022-06-22 18:26:14 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2228099576 My head was nodding the whole time I listened to Rachel's challenge. The gardens require a lot of consistent, hard work. It is a sort of labor of love and I realize I took this on but somedays it feels overwhelming. As mentioned, this course brings up all the networking possibilities out there that theoretically would be helpful and lighten the load. As great as that is, taking on the added task of outreach and coordinating seems daunting. https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2251267281 2022-07-28 15:47:47 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2251267281 A common theme that I can relate to is that even if everyone involved agrees that a school garden is an amazing opportunity for learning, there is far less people willing to help with the dirty work when the time comes. https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2251332090 2022-07-28 18:43:05 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2251332090 Have Hope! kellycdmitchell https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2252497418 One theme that I noticed was that, even though we are all going through challenges in the garden, there was always a message of hope... I think that gardening itself is an act of hope. When we add in the unpredictability of Covid, maintenance issues, lack of space, etc. we can either give up, or just keep trying!]]> 2022-08-01 02:21:11 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2252497418 Support! kellycdmitchell https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2252503165 I too was nodding my head while listening to Rachel's post. Honestly, I had a moment in the garden this summer where I was in tears because I felt so alone. Doing everything yourself can be overwhelming, even if you LOVE what you are doing. Finding consistent help is so vital to a garden program!]]> 2022-08-01 02:29:54 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2252503165 Volunteer Orgs kellycdmitchell https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2252506784 There are some local organizations that we have used to get volunteers, including reaching out to alumni, high schools, etc. Another one we have not used yet, but looks promising is Volunteer Match. ]]> 2022-08-01 02:36:16 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2252506784 School Funding kellycdmitchell https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2252510039 I was curious if any of the schools provide direct funding to help solve some of these challenges? For example, I know that Franz had mentioned the PTA might help when it comes to fencing in their space (so sorry to hear about the vandalism!) but I'm wondering if the schools are also offering any financial help from their budgets to help? ]]> 2022-08-01 02:41:50 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2252510039 Common Themes: Franz Misch https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254229043 I noticed that many people struggle with garnering support from fellow staff and admin. I also noticed that some struggle with physical issues: drought, location, and vandalism. ]]> 2022-08-03 15:24:33 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254229043 Franz Misch https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254231028 Yes, I have experienced all of these challenges. While my admin has always been supportive, fellow staff participation is not where I would like it to be. I am very excited as one kindergarten teacher and I are teaming up to use the garden as much as possible for the kindergarten curriculum. To control vandalism, I think I will need to fence the garden and add a gate with a lock. ]]> 2022-08-03 15:28:17 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254231028 Franz Misch https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254234072 Yes. Persist flexibly. Laurie's efforts really impressed me. She has seen many administrators come and go. In reaction, she has gained autonomy for the garden[program and enlisted the support of, I think, her superintendent. Wow. In my own case, I need to enlist the labor of PTA members and other volunteers to build a shed, rebuild our beds, and plan for a tall fence to surround the garden as well as a gate and a lock. Much to do.]]> 2022-08-03 15:32:58 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254234072 Franz Misch https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254236983 What can you control? What is beyond your control? What is mission critical? What is the appropriate scale for your work so that it is manageable? Sometimes a small, well-managed raised bed is far better than a crazy weed patch.]]> 2022-08-03 15:38:53 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254236983 Franz Misch https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254239829 Core gardening to reduce water requirements: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTnBlkG7h98

Square Foot Gardening to Create Manageable, Dense, and High Yield Spaces

https://squarefootgardening.org/



]]> 2022-08-03 15:44:28 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254239829 Suggestions leighfaust https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254302021 Expectation is key to so many things in life. If we expect that we will run into challenges (being overwhelmed, running into permission snags, etc.) we can adjust our mindset to deal with these setbacks. Keep at it, remain flexible, and look for help wherever you can get it!]]> 2022-08-03 17:44:57 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2254302021 Many similar challenges - resources - time, location to garden, people. great to see how some of these are overcome https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2255953200 2022-08-06 20:09:09 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2255953200 Having a small group of children do most of the work and getting overwhelmed with the tasks because you are in an unpaid unappreciated position! --or having competing needs and priorities ..meeting ratio in a preschool versus watering plants is frustrating because this can change from one day to the next lemaistremichele5 https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256227217 2022-08-07 20:54:06 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256227217 Remaining flexible and being openminded about who and where to enlist support from lemaistremichele5 https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256227623 2022-08-07 20:56:31 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256227623 That's a valuable point...to be able to modify/scale back on your original plan in order to achieve something well-managed. lemaistremichele5 https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256228129 2022-08-07 20:58:08 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256228129 funding, volunteers https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256784371 2022-08-08 16:08:51 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256784371 challenges https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256785791 We have a garden group that spearheaded the rennovation and raises funds by having an annual plant sale and getting donations from Kiwanis, other organizations, nurseries, big box stores, soil / woodchip businesses, etc. ]]> 2022-08-08 16:11:12 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256785791 Resources https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256786666 Here are some organizations that I have connected the school with....the goal is to have a sustainable garden for the future:
Garden clubs, Kiwanis, women's clubs, native plant society, WSU master gardeners, WSU extension SNAP-Ed, Health department, Fruit tree society, conservation district,....]]> 2022-08-08 16:12:48 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256786666 A school garden has so many benefits for children and well worth the time to get it up nd running. https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256904500 2022-08-08 19:46:18 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256904500 I agree with many who suggest persisting and encouraging schools to allow the use of a school garden and integrate exposure to it into the school day. https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256905620 2022-08-08 19:48:46 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256905620 brandes821 https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256958186 Volunteers, time, but it is worth it. ]]> 2022-08-08 21:58:51 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2256958186 Common Themes:Roz Goodman https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259696587 1. Getting started- finding space, organizing staffing, getting buy in from teachers/administrators/students
2. Starting and maintaining a garden requires a big time commitment. 
3. The benefits if gardening programs for kids and adults is well worth the effort despite all the challenges. ]]> 2022-08-12 08:35:10 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259696587 Similar Challenges : Roz Goodman https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259700415 My situation is a bit different since I’m hoping to promote garden education weekly as part of the summer library program. What is similar is the desire and time commitment required to make it work, the need to get other community members involved and the creative thinking required to overcome challenges unique to my situation. ]]> 2022-08-12 08:42:31 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259700415 Advice/Suggestions: Roz Goodman https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259702359 My advice is never give up, connect with others locally or on-line to find solutions, be persistent but flexible, think outside the box, seek help from others to avoid burnout and celebrate all successes. ]]> 2022-08-12 08:47:07 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259702359 Questions: Roz Goodman https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259705525 I’m curious if the folks encountering vandalism issues could consider setting up electric fences around the gardens or using wildlife/Security cameras to catch the vandals in action so they can be held accountable for their actions. ]]> 2022-08-12 08:52:59 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259705525 Resources: Roz Goodman https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259709116 In Alaska there is the University Coop Extension Service. I would also suggest local service/volunteer organizations/garden clubs, senior centers, and businesses such as commercial greenhouses or hardware stores. ]]> 2022-08-12 09:00:03 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2259709116 Getting the buy in from everyone and have the support to maintain the garden. mmoak66 https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2260675431 2022-08-14 17:11:51 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2260675431 It is hard when you are the only one that wants to put in the effort. I have been working to get more staff involved and I was able to get a couple people in to help out. mmoak66 https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2260675963 2022-08-14 17:14:07 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2260675963 I think just continuing to support the garden in the classroom. Learning from other I know for me taking this class and looking at the resources out there I don't feel so alone. mmoak66 https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2260676608 2022-08-14 17:17:03 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2260676608 Dianne Rose https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2263653492 Garden work never ends. There's always more to do and learn, and doing and learning takes time.]]> 2022-08-17 20:00:33 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2263653492 To the Co-op Preschool rossmo https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2268286690 For the co-op preschool class that does not own the space, have you tried any hydroponics? I haven't used them much myself, so I don't know if they would be smaller and easier to move around.]]> 2022-08-23 03:58:58 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2268286690 Common themes rossmo https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2268335772 The time component is a common obstacle. Many programs also struggle with getting others interested. There is a small handful of people doing a majority of the garden efforts/activities.]]> 2022-08-23 04:57:43 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2268335772 common themes https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2273950285 I enjoyed hearing about how the group is excited about this effort. Despite challenges, many know the importance of this work. ]]> 2022-08-28 21:07:34 UTC https://padlet.com/teachinginnaturesclassroom/l619lbjrydp5u4jg/wish/2273950285