A rich harvest at Sharon Elementary
Garden reaps benefits, sows lessons for students
Months after planting a garden at Sharon Elementary, students are reaping the benefits
of their labor. As students harvest this season, they are learning about science, culinary
arts, horticultural and philanthropy. The school received a $2,000 grant in March from the
2014 Whole Kids Foundation, a national nonprofit founded by Whole Foods Market. Whole
Kids Foundation is a charitable organization that provides children with access to healthy
food choices through partnerships with schools, educators and organizations. The goal of
the Whole Kids Foundation is to encourage healthy eating habits for students.
At Sharon, classes explored different foods to examine their seeds. In the lesson, “Are
Seeds the Same?” students studied the shapes, sizes and colors of seeds from tomatoes,
basil, pumpkins and other foods. The students were encouraged to touch the seeds
and create a seed chart of their findings. Other classes (depending on grade level) will
participate in nutritional taste-testing of greens including lettuce, arugula and spinach;
a science lesson on the decomposition of pumpkins, and investigating the environment’s
effect on pea seeds.
“We do a lot of smelling, looking and digging in the garden,” said fifth-grade teacher
Cathy Conner. “It’s the best way for students to learn-through a hands-on experience.”
While the goal at Sharon is to bring classroom learning outdoors, the school is also
determined to teach lessons about kindness and humanity. The goal is to grow fruits and
vegetable to provide food to families in need.
“The main thing I really like is community. Everyone
is taking responsibility,” said Sandra Moore, chair of the
Garden Committee. “It’s a great way for students to learn
leadership skills and how important it is to give back to the
community.”
Since 2011, Whole Kids Foundation has invested in four
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools including River Gate and
Lansdowne elementaries, Bruns Academy and Garinger
High.
DS
I
K
Crossfit
stallings
One free week
• confidence
• challenge
• sportsmanship
• team building
• manners
• integrity
• functional fitness
Book your education program today by
filling out the program reservation form
online. CRC offers formal education
programs for K-12 students on the Raptor
Trail or in your classroom.
6 • Nov/Dec 2014 • Parent Teacher Magazine
Ages 4-18
Reserve your class now!
[email protected]
www.crossfitstallings.com
704-507-3196
3332 smith farm road
stallings, nc