The Creative Gardener
A wellbeing resource developed with The Art Room at Place2Be, a leading children’s mental health charity.
Learning objectives:
- Recognise the part children can have in creating possibilities and influencing their environment
- Tune into nature through the sensory experiences of growing plants from seed
- Nourish self-belief, even if experiencing uncertainty or setback
- Create positive connections with others by sharing a mini harvest
Curriculum links:
- Science: Explore plant growth and nature through hands-on gardening
- PSHE: Build self-confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing by nurturing plants
- Art & Design: Engage in creative activities tied to planting, including designing and reflecting
Key vocabulary
Equipment
- Dried marrowfat peas (you can buy these at the supermarket)
- Compost/soil or cotton wool
- Container (with holes in the base made by an adult). This could be a paper cup, reused food container, pot or tray (washed well) or a reused flower pot
- Saucer to put under the container to catch water
- Empty plastic bottle with a lid for watering (washed well)
- Paper
- Pencil or pen
Project guide
This creative gardening project guides children through the process of growing their own pea shoots from dried peas.
By stepping into the shoes of a gardener, children can nurture a belief in their ability to care for, and positively impact the world around them.
Each stage from sowing to harvesting includes an art and gardening activity accompanied by reflective prompts. Pea seeds sprout quickly all year round, and within two weeks there will be pea shoots to taste and share.
Download your project guide