Creating An Outdoor Classroom

Growing Schools is a program that focuses on education in elementary schools that is linked to outdoor gardens built on the school grounds, where children learn about food security, healthy food choices and urban agriculture.

The program began in 1996 and now Growing Schools works with over 10 school partners and over 500 students each year. The manual is a comprehensive overview of the program that includes information on how the program is delivered as well as detailed information on the in classroom workshops and lesson plans, garden set up, and professional development modules for teachers. It also links to Lifecycles International Program and to secondary school curriculum.

Contents

• Program Description
• Program Budget and Contribution Agreement
• Program Timelines and Key Activity Dates
• Materials and Supplies
• Staffing and Volunteers
• Community Partners and Key Relationships
• Media Releases and Marketing Materials
• Adult Education Modules
• Elementary Classroom Series
• School Ground Garden Set-Up
• School District Maintenance
• New Native School Garden Sample
• New School Food Garden Sample
• Expanding School Food Garden Sample
• School Ground Consultation
• School Garden Manual