About Early Childhood Learn, Grow, Eat & Go!
Early Childhood Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! is a 4-week daily curriculum for 4-5 year old children. This is a step-by-step program that combines hands-on lessons (learn), plant & garden activities (grow), opportunities to taste fresh vegetables (eat), and physical activity breaks (go). The program targets these goals:
- Increase student knowledge of nutrition and plant science
- Improve student preference for vegetables
Each week has a specific theme: Week 1) Plant Needs & Plant Parts, Week 2) Seeds & Roots, Week 3) Stems & Leaves, & Week 4) Flowers & Fruit. Lessons and group activities are designed to be 10 to 15 minutes long.
The curriculum includes daily engaging lessons, group activities, and journal prompts to help the class create their own thriving vegetable garden. Weekly featured songs, literature connections, classroom garden kitchen recipes, and family engagement tools are also provided to support learning.
This program is delivered by teachers. Teacher trainings are available and can be led by school administrators or Extension agents using the online workshop kit.
Program Components
- 20 (daily) lesson plans and small group activity plans for 4 weeks
- Each day, there is a lesson, group activity, and garden journal prompt
To host a program, schools will need:
- Space for a class garden
- Gardening tools and supplies
Additional Information
Interested educators should connect with their local 4-H or Family & Community Health Extension Agent for more information. Find their contact information here: https://counties.agrilife.org/
Find the full program website here: https://jmgkids.us/earlychildhood/
