Getting Unstuck #147/148: How Can We Take Learning Outside the Classroom?
Grow, cook, eat, compost, repeat.
Today’s guest
Grace McGuirk is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree in Public Health. She is the Evaluation Manager and Nutrition Advisor with the Sage Garden Project, a program that provides staff, equipment, and training to high-need school garden programs to help students experience standards-based, grade-appropriate lessons as they grow, prepare, and share nourishing food. Grace has worked with folks of all ages over the past five years, cooking, gardening and eating together to cultivate more nourishing communities.
Grace on why this conversation matters
“You can teach every subject in the garden and while cooking. Classroom concepts come to life when students are able to participate in hands-on learning outside. Oftentimes, children that have difficulties learning in the traditional classroom thrive in the garden and while cooking. Beyond this, the social and emotional benefits of learning outside, including the downright healing practice of getting your hands dirty, cannot be understated.”
How you can use the podcast
Grace makes the case that there is a strong social and emotional component to Sage’s garden and nutrition program. Where do you see that benefit in such a program. If you can’t start a garden program, how else are you able to start a very tangible SEL program?
Closing thought
“Our motto is grow, cook, eat, compost, repeat.”
Connect with Grace
Referenced
SGSO - School Garden Support Organization