Although school gardens have existed as an educational concept for more than a century, they are still relatively new in Serbia. They are increasingly recognized as an effective educational model for teaching topics related to ecology, environmental protection, climate change, and food production. However, the practical implementation of this concept is only now beginning to gain momentum.
A school garden is an outdoor classroom where theory and practice come together. Through hands-on activities and play, students learn about natural processes, develop patience and cooperation, and build healthy lifelong habits.
Learning in the school garden gives children a broader understanding of the world around them. It helps them recognize the connections that exist in nature and understand their own role within those relationships, cycles, and food chains.
The activities and projects carried out in the school garden also help children develop important social skills. They learn responsibility, communication, empathy, teamwork, and leadership. At the same time, the garden fosters a sense of community by bringing together parents, teachers, students, and members of the wider community.
At a time when technology is becoming an increasingly dominant part of everyday life, the school garden provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore the fundamental principles and processes of the natural world, creating a stronger connection between children and nature.
The teacher plays a vital role in the development of the school garden. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and guiding every learning experience in the garden, helping students understand classroom theory through practical application.
The teacher also ensures that students truly understand the concepts outlined in the school curriculum by helping them establish meaningful cause-and-effect relationships and apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom correctly and confidently.
Our teacher, Vesela Mačkić, will introduce school garden activities to her students from the very first grade.
