Exploring the Impact of Garden-Based Learning on Children's Mental Health

Davin, Amy

Publication

Exploring the Impact of Garden-Based Learning on Children's Mental Health

Davin, Amy

Date

2022

Additional date(s)

5/19/2022

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the impact of garden-based learning on children's mental health within Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD)'s Morningside Elementary School. This study included individual interviews with Morningside teachers and a Qualtrics demographic data survey. The survey included gender, grade taught, years taught, and the Nature Relatedness Scale-6 (NRS-6), which measures one's connectedness to nature. The interviewer and teachers discussed students' behaviors before and after they spent time in the school garden and any teacher observations regarding the school garden. The interviews were held on Zoom per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, and thematic content analysis was used to extract meaning from the data. Five main themes were identified: increases in attention and focus, self-confidence and resilience, physical health benefits, academic performance, and suggestions for sustainability. Garden-based learning can increase children's attention, self-confidence, physical health, and academic performance. Teachers suggested that bringing academic instruction outside into the garden and involving the community could improve garden usage and sustainability. Integrating lessons into the school garden is a simple and cost-effective way to improve the health and resilience of young children.