Gardening Programs for At-Risk Children
Gardening programs can benefit at-risk children in ways that range from elevating self-confidence to fostering a sense of self-esteem or pride. These specially designed nature-based activities are around the country in many different cities and towns. Does this Spark an idea?
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Significance
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At-risk youth gardening programs can boost children's personal, emotional, and physical skills. According to the organization Kids Gardening, part of the National Gardening Association, children's gardening activities can expand language development, promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage social interaction. Gardening programs can help them build a sense of pride in accomplishment.
Types
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The National Gardening Association found, in a 2009 survey, 48 percent of all youth gardening programs were public school based. Although they did not all serve at-risk youth, many inner city districts begin garden programming for children who are most in need, including those with low test scores, poor grades, social and behavioral issues, or delinquency problems.
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Expert Insight and Benefits
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Expert organizations found their own gardening programs for at-risk children gave mostly positive benefits and outcomes. For example, an evaluation of the Pendleton, Oregon, Community Garden Project for at-risk youth found that many of the teenagers participating in the gardening activities increased social skills such as communication and partnership abilities, learned about leadership and developed horticulture skills.
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