Children and Gardens
Windy Edge Farm Series
What’s inside...
A work on children and gardens. Maggie the pony is lonely after Mr. McNab sells the other animals and goes away for the winter, but surprise events one night lead her to a new home with the person she loves the most.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of exploring the garden in the book, and why?
How do you think the garden changes with each season, and what new things could we discover?
What kind of plants or flowers would you like to grow in our garden, and how would you take care of them?
How do you feel when you spend time in a garden or a natural space?
Can you imagine a story that takes place in a garden? What would happen in your story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prompt your child to relate personal experiences with elements from the book by sharing memories of your own garden or visits to public gardens.
Encourage your child to describe the colors, smells, and sounds they might encounter in a garden, enhancing their sensory engagement.
Discuss the importance of nurturing and caring for a garden, drawing parallels to how we care for our relationships and responsibilities.
After reading, consider planning a gardening activity with your child to practically apply and explore themes from the book together.
Use the garden’s lifecycle discussed in the book to talk about growth, change, and the natural world, helping your child understand bigger concepts through familiar contexts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Children and Gardens', children are taught the value of caring for plants, illustrating how regular watering, weeding, and care lead to thriving gardens.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking on small responsibilities at home such as watering houseplants or taking care of a pet, learning the importance of consistency and dedication.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The book demonstrates that gardens do not bloom overnight and that patience is required when waiting for flowers and plants to grow.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of waiting for results, whether it's in observing nature, waiting their turn in games, or understanding that some rewards take time to achieve.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Gertrude Jekyll's narrative encourages children to observe the beauty and variety in the garden, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and protect their environment, taking pleasure in outdoor activities and possibly advocating for ecological issues as they grow.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book inspires children to design their own garden spaces, emphasizing creativity in choosing plants and arranging them aesthetically.
Real-World Application: Children can express their creativity not just in gardening but in any artistic activity, learning to think innovatively and express their individuality.