Class garden cultivates joy in learning

An education feature submitted by: Cynthia Williams, Third Grade Teacher

Oscar Patterson Academy

Third-graders at Oscar Patterson Academy planting fruits and vegetables in outside classroom garden

This school year brought me to a new school with many fresh challenges. Adjusting to all the unfamiliarity made me forget some of the trusted ways I used to engage my students. After struggling to keep their interest in lessons, with approval, I introduced a class garden idea to my 45 budding science students. In my heart, I believe education should nurture the whole student through meaningful, hands-on learning. For years, I’ve sought ways to get students moving and involved, and four years ago, I discovered the perfect solution: gardening. Gardening excites students about fruits and vegetables while giving them chances to walk, lift, carry, and plant—all through a fun, engaging activity.

In this new school, I had been so focused on fitting in with the culture, that I’d forgotten what truly worked with students. But now, back on track and refocused, we dove into planning. It was a true class project—students helped choose the types of plants, explored countless images of raised beds, and finally, with 45 third graders, we made our decisions! As materials started arriving, excitement grew.

Students planted a variety of fruits and vegetables in their garden. All supplies for the garden were purchased by the district science department.

On March 12, we built our garden beds. Adding dirt was like playing in a sandbox. Many of the boys were covered with black soil, and several of the girls mixed water with the soil and squished it with their hands - mud pies.  They learned how to sow seeds, practiced gently pulling plants out of their containers, and how to loosen the roots before putting them in the ground. The students planted radishes, kale, beets, collard greens, green beans, green and purple peppers, and tomatoes. The garden became a rich, hands-on learning space where we explored science, math, art, and social studies—all through growing food.

The excitement was contagious, jobs of watering and pulling small weeds came to life, but the students weren’t prepared for the “worms.” The girls wanted nothing to do with them, while the boys spent extra time looking for worms to toss at the girls! I bought ladybugs, and a parent suggested a dish soap and water spray for pests—it worked wonders. The children enjoyed the extra little jobs, kept the workspace clean and was proud to show it off to other classes, administrators, staff, and visitors.

The month of April seemed to drag on as our vegetables grew slowly, and some students started losing interest. “When will we get vegetables? Why does it take so long?” Journaling became a challenge.

Students picking peppers and lettuce from class garden

Then, on April 23, we spotted the first flowers on our pepper and tomato plants. Thanks to our science lessons, the students knew flowers meant fruits and vegetables were on the way.

We harvested our first vegetables on May 2, skinny, long, scarlet radishes. Their unusual shape surprised everyone—they looked nothing like the radishes students were used to seeing in stores or at home. Some loved the spicy taste, while others found them a bit too hot or “nasty.”

Mrs. Williams serving collards to her students

May 14 was our big harvest day and tasting party. The students were thrilled! I set up a tasting table, and each child received a cup with purple peppers—“These are great!”—and tomato slices—“The tomatoes are so fresh!” My third graders transformed into true food critics. “Mrs. Williams, can you add banana peppers to the collards and cook them a little?” one said. Another exclaimed, “Oh my, Mrs. Williams, you can cook! The greens are so good. I’m coming to your house to eat!”

Within minutes the samples were gone, and the students loved every bite. Already they’re wondering what will happen to our garden over the summer. No worries—I’ve had several volunteers ready to care for whatever keeps growing.

Students enjoy samples of the purple peppers and tomatoes

This school garden program has been about so much more than planting seeds—it’s been about nurturing my students, growing curiosity, and cultivating joy in learning.

NOTE FROM EDITOR: Oscar Patterson Academy is a Bay County School located in Panama City, Florida. This is the second education feature published by Florida's Truth Be Told, Incorporated. However, we continue to build outreach with K-12 schools throughout Florida. Our goal is to interact with innovative teachers and administrators to publish student work and engagement. Educators can reach us to submit ideas and achievements on our website or through email loretha.cleveland5@gmail.com