What do you do when you love to work with kids and you love gardening? You combine them to teach kids about the earth. And that’s what we do!!
"Eman taught me that soil has a lot of living things like bacteria and worms. We got to dig and plant and harvest. It was awesome!"
Mack, PS 321 3rd grader
"Eman taught me that soil has a lot of living things like bacteria and worms. We got to dig and plant and harvest. It was awesome!"
Mack, PS 321 3rd grader
Gardening is not just about teaching children to grow food, but also empowering them to change the environment around them. For over ten years, Brooklyn Seeds has been teaching children about the importance of our natural environment and the impact of climate change on their lives, while simultaneously teaching kids to grow their own organic food. Our focus area is Environmental Justice, Natural Resource and Climate Justice, and organic growing methods. Children plant food for themselves, but they also share their gardens with wildlife by planting native and threatened species, and re-introducing and releasing native animals. We utilize arts and creative expression to teach children and vulnerable youth to plant seeds and nurture, support and release native animals. We don't talk at children. We communicate to them using music, movement, humor and literacy to actively engage and empower them.
There are countless studies about the therapeutic values of gardening. 1995 and 2005 studies show that students who are actively engaged in garden projects tend to enjoy learning and show improved attitudes toward education. There are the now well-known studies that show the bacteria in soil makes us happier and smarter. Gardening also allows children to be nurturing and connect to nature and life on a fundamental level.
There are countless studies about the therapeutic values of gardening. 1995 and 2005 studies show that students who are actively engaged in garden projects tend to enjoy learning and show improved attitudes toward education. There are the now well-known studies that show the bacteria in soil makes us happier and smarter. Gardening also allows children to be nurturing and connect to nature and life on a fundamental level.
Children often model what they see and hear, so we practice compassionate communication methods whereby listening, reflection, compassion and kindness are used in every-day teaching. We have four main goals:
1. Kids actively participate in improving the environment by planting native and endangered species in their own school gardens and neighborhoods, including native wildflowers, grasses, ferns, vines, evergreen shrubs and trees, increasing the chance of survival for native wildlife.
2. We teach children how to grow organic food for themselves and their families in schools while also teaching them to share garden space with native wildlife. Kids build habitats for and often release native mason bees, fireflies and ladybugs.
3. Children cannot absorb or enjoy education if they are under stress. We use music, movement, art, humor and compassion to guide them rather than control them as they learn about nature and actively participate in changing their schools and neighborhoods.
4. We hire and train a diverse group of young adults in these same neighborhoods to work with and guide children while paying them a living wage, ensuring the sustainability of our work in these neighborhoods.
If you give kids the right tools and use a compassionate and respectful teaching approach, they can change the world now.
"A contagious surge of enthusiasm, passion, and energy travels with Eman. It's impossible to resist her positive light and pull."
Ms. Evelyn Faison, teaching over 30 years
1. Kids actively participate in improving the environment by planting native and endangered species in their own school gardens and neighborhoods, including native wildflowers, grasses, ferns, vines, evergreen shrubs and trees, increasing the chance of survival for native wildlife.
2. We teach children how to grow organic food for themselves and their families in schools while also teaching them to share garden space with native wildlife. Kids build habitats for and often release native mason bees, fireflies and ladybugs.
3. Children cannot absorb or enjoy education if they are under stress. We use music, movement, art, humor and compassion to guide them rather than control them as they learn about nature and actively participate in changing their schools and neighborhoods.
4. We hire and train a diverse group of young adults in these same neighborhoods to work with and guide children while paying them a living wage, ensuring the sustainability of our work in these neighborhoods.
If you give kids the right tools and use a compassionate and respectful teaching approach, they can change the world now.
"A contagious surge of enthusiasm, passion, and energy travels with Eman. It's impossible to resist her positive light and pull."
Ms. Evelyn Faison, teaching over 30 years