The 2022-23 academic year at St. Jerome School began with interactive lessons on the cycles of nature and the renewal of the earth. By the end of the year, the third-grade students had broadened their understanding of this cycle to include the importance of caring for their neighbourhood. They learned that even one good environmental deed can make a significant difference.
Throughout the course, students were introduced to the importance of soil and how it supports plant growth. They learned about the symbiotic relationship between healthy plant life and a healthy planet. The curriculum delved into composting and the essential role worms play in soil enrichment. Each student received a “Box of Life,” a wooden bin for vermicomposting, which they took care of throughout the year. The students received guidance on proper worm care, feeding, and bedding. They fed their worms food scraps and observed as they transformed the scraps into nutrient-rich soil.
During their class, the students started growing vegetables from seeds and kept track of their growth for a period of four weeks. Additionally, the construction class at St. Francis Xavier High School kindly donated four garden boxes to the third-grade class. The students ordered soil for the garden boxes and formed an assembly line to fill them before planting the seeds. They also mixed in worm castings that they had collected, to provide extra nutrients for the plants. After planting, they took care of the vegetables and some flowers and were able to see the worms’ castings nourish their plants, thus completing the cycle.
But the cycle of care did not end there. In June, during the last week of school, the students re-potted the flowers they had planted and went door-to-door in a neighbouring senior living community. They spread kindness by sharing their story and offering the senior residents the flowers they had grown. The seniors were thrilled to receive their young visitors and their offerings. Many sent notes of gratitude and encouragement.
Lessons about our soil, plants, and all of the connections to living in harmony with nature grew into a journey about the importance of feeling connected to our earth and how simple acts of care can make a huge difference in our world.