Edwin A. Alderman

Alderman Elementary is transitioning towards a Medical, Health, & Wellness focus. As part of the "wellness" component, we would like to develop and implement a school garden. This garden will help us reach several goals. Our main goal is to educate our students on healthy food choices and to instill within them and their families healthy eating habits. Research shows that children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetables (Hermann et al., 2006). Our second goal is to promote cultivating environmental stewardship. One study revealed that this develops an increased understanding of ecology, interconnections in nature, and responsibility to care for the environment (Mayer-Smith, Bartosh & Peterat, 2007). Our third goal is to provide a therapeutic learning environment for our students to develop interpersonal skills and connections with peers. Our final goal is to increase academic achievement through interdisciplinary hands-on lessons and activities.