Exit slip about the children's gardening program

After participating in the activities designed by Susan, I believe teaching gardens are beneficial to students. First, students have more opportunities to observe the nature and this would promote the student-directed inquiry, as well as increasing their interests in protecting the environment. Also, asking students to draw things (which they like) in gardens would make them focus on different aspects of plants and organisms, motivating them to learn how these living things interact with humans. Second, I found drawing natural things took more time since the features and details of the plants and organisms are usually complex and not easily portrayed by simple straight lines or curves. This sort of drawing can help students develop creativity and patience. These two traits can help students learn in other areas or subjects. Finally, introduced by Susan, the dance comprising the component of mathematics is an innovative way for students to learn mathematical concepts. Besides exercising their bodies and enjoying the dance, students can learn mathematics in a relaxing and joyful way which can help them remember the mathematical concepts more easily.
The disadvantages of teaching in gardens are the restrictions due to weather and the students' allergies to plants. During rainy or chilly days, it may not be suitable for kids to learn in gardens. Also, if some kids have some pollen allergies, teaching in gardens is not appropriate for them.