Gardening should be used as a teaching tool

Gardening should be used as a teaching tool

» 28th June 2010 «

Gardens can play a key role in boosting children's spirits and advancing their development, it has been suggested.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) commissioned a study of 1,300 teachers and ten schools and found that those which encouraged gardening saw their pupils become more confident and healthy.

As a result of the survey - which was carried out by the National Foundation for Educational Research - the RHS is urging schools to use gardening as a teaching aid.

"Fundamental to the success of school gardens in stimulating a love of learning was their ability to translate sometimes dry academic subjects into practical, real world experiences," read one section of the report.

"Children were encouraged to get their hands dirty, in every sense. Teachers involved in the research said the result was a more active, inquisitive approach to learning."

The report also noted that the "changeable nature" of gardening projects sharpened pupils' ability to adapt to various situations and solve problems.

Writing for the Independent last week, Jay Merrick noted that working in a garden shed can boost an individual's creativity.