Third and fourth graders at Rancho Encinitas Academy and its sister school, Edison Academy, had the opportunity to participate in creating the annual vegetable and flower garden on campus. Under the direction of their teachers, Angie Trevino and Kristen Edwards, and assistant teacher, Bev Gonyer, the students each did their part to help plant for a new season.
Students were excited to get outside to pull weeds and lay fresh soil in the existing raised bed. Gonyer, an aide at the school whose family had been in the flower business for 28 years, helped students understand the best location for planting various seeds as well as how deep and far apart to plant. She explained that some plants require less sun, directing the students to plant in areas that are shaded part of the day. “We read the seed packet instructions together so the students take part in the placement process,” said Gonyer. “We make those decisions as a group,” she adds.
Besides a variety of flower bulbs and sunflower seeds, students planted broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and potatoes. They also planted onion bulbs. Last year, one of the students with a more sophisticated palate ate a raw onion right out of the garden.
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As the vegetables become ready for harvest, the teachers will allow the students to pick their share and take it home to their families. The flowers will add beauty to the campus, which recently went under extensive outdoor renovations. Although the students may not consider the project “work,” they are learning by doing, which is an integral part of the experiential learning philosophy of the school. “Really, the best part of it was getting dirty,” said fourth grader, Gus Moss-King.
About Rancho Encinitas Academy
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Since 1995, Rancho Encinitas Academy (REA) has prepared students for high school in a child-focused, nurturing environment that encourages knowledge, creativity, self-reliance and fosters organizational skills. REA serves students from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade. For more information call (760) 942-2011, visit www.ranchoencinitasacademy.com, or connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RanchoEncinitasAcademy.
About Edison Academy
Edison Academy was founded in 1990. Housed on the campus of Rancho Encinitas Academy, the school is designed to meet the needs of bright children in grades 3 through 8 who have mild to moderate learning challenges. Students are taught methods and strategies that assist them in becoming mainstream, independent learners. For more information call (760) 942-2011 or visit www.edisonacademy.com.
