Gardening, Flowers, and Children

Gardening has long been one of my interests, but I have seldom had the sufficient time to obtain great results. I have always tried to grow flowers and not vegetables.

This summer, along with many more people, I have had the time to focus on planting, watering, fertilizing, and enjoying the beauty of my very own flowers. Today I have fresh flowers on my table, in the kitchen, and next to my computer. They bring me joy!

As I watched my flowers bloom, I was reminded how we, as early childhood educators, nurture the growth of young children. Fröbel called the first preschool programs he designed in Germany as Kindergarten or Children’s Garden. It is a name that is appropriate for many early childhood programs in 2020.

We plant the seeds of learning in young minds that will develop for many years. We water their creative ideas as they think and express their thoughts. We fertilize their possibilities as we provide unique materials, variety of choices, and encourage curiosity.

As early childhood educators, you have the amazing opportunity to provide the support, environment, and foundation that will have wonderful results – young children who grow and bloom!

During these difficult times let us not forget how important you are in helping young children bloom!