Where learning is in the palm of your hands.

Midway through Term 3, I was given the news that Te Manawa had been invited to be part of the Children's Therapy Garden at the Historic Village, and I was asked if this was something I would like to be a part of. Absolutely I would! The Therapy Garden is an initiative started by a wonderful teacher, Jess Hubbard, to be a place to provide “new and meaningful experiences, to reduce anxiety, promote physical and mental well-being, and develop resilient learners”. And, hopefully, an opportunity to produce some yummy fruit and veggies for our labour!

On our first visit to this outdoor ‘classroom’ Year 9 student Caylie and I spent time nosing around imagining the potential of this space for learning and growing. We walked and talked, planned and appreciated the sights and sounds of nature. We wondered what we could give, and what we could get back from this relaxing natural space. Caylie had some great ideas on how to spruce up our plot and add our personality to it including sculptures, fancy labels, mosaics and naming our vege plot with a colourful sign.

On our next visit we prepared garden beds, identified edible flowers and herbs, weeded and watered and met Ms Jess Hubbard who quickly became Year 12 student Dasha’s new best friend. At the end of our session Dasha declared “I don’t want to go home!” As we walked back to school, she grabbed my arm and told me not to tell anyone else in Te Manawa about the garden as she wanted it to be our secret garden! I guess that means she loved this new hands-on learning experience!

Every visit brings new challenges, learning, and good old fashioned ‘mucking in’. We have germinated seeds, planted summer crops, and are now waiting (not so) patiently for a variety of tasty treats to be ready, but there is still plenty to do until then!

Jane Sanders - ILA, Te Manawa