The team at Vegepod have sourced the expertise of Dr Kate Neale from the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University and First Years Early Childhood Consulting to develop a suite of gardening lesson plans designed to help guide the educators throughout the entire growing process.

How the lessons link to the Early Years Learning Framework?

Each lesson links to principles, practices and learning outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework, which are highlighted for educator’s convenience on each lesson plan. These links have been identified through trialling these lesson plans in Early Childhood settings, however other outcomes may be observed depending on the children and educators taking part in the lessons. Each lesson plan clearly articulates how it links to the EYLF.

How do the lessons help meet the National Quality Standards?

The Kindy Garden lesson plans can help services meet the National Quality Standards in the following ways. (Note: further standards may be met depending on the children and educators involved).

Quality area 1- Educational program and practice.

The Kindy Garden is implemented as part of the educational curriculum. The documentation templates allow educators to document children’s voices and learning, as well as showing links to the EYLF.

Quality area 2- Children’s health and safety.

Children are introduced and encouraged to participate in healthy eating and hygiene practices.

Quality area 3- Physical Environment.

The Kindy Garden helps embed sustainable practices in the Early Childhood service. The Kindy Garden also supports children to take responsibility for the environment.

Furthermore, the Kindy Garden is perfect to help services meet Education and Care Services Regulation regarding children having access to natural materials and resources.

Quality area 5- Relationships with children.

The Kindy Garden encourages all children to be involved if they choose. As a group project, this encourages children to collaborate, communicate, share ideas and be respectful. The Kindy Garden also offers opportunities for educators to build reciprocal relationships with the children throughout the project.