A nursery for young sprouts

As Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, the atmosphere at Van Ban No. 1 Kindergarten (formerly Hoa Hong Kindergarten) becomes more lively than usual. On the rooftop of the kitchen area and in the garden behind the school, Styrofoam containers for growing vegetables are neatly arranged. Under the guidance of teachers, the children participate in caring for and harvesting the green vegetables – the fruits of weeks of planting and nurturing by both teachers and students.

The children enjoyed the hands-on activities.

This activity is part of the "Nursery of Green Seedlings" experiential program, linked to the "Small Plan" that Van Ban No. 1 Kindergarten has maintained for many years. Through direct participation, kindergarten students become familiar with simple labor, understand the process of planting, caring for, and harvesting vegetables, and develop habits of saving and sharing through concrete actions. The harvested vegetables are not only sold to raise funds to support students in difficult circumstances but are also used as a source of clean food, improving the children's daily meals.

The result of many days of care by the teacher and her students.

Van Ban No. 1 Kindergarten has been implementing a vegetable gardening program for the past four school years. Initially, the school utilized styrofoam containers placed on the kitchen rooftop to organize vegetable gardening for the children. Later, the model was expanded to a garden area of ​​approximately 200m² within the school grounds.

The vegetables are selected based on the growing conditions and age of the students, such as cabbage, water spinach, lettuce, onions, and various herbs.

The children picked the onions themselves.

Ms. Le Thi Thao, Principal of Van Ban No. 1 Kindergarten, said that the "Small Plan" program is implemented annually by the school to provide children with opportunities to experience the process of planting and caring for clean vegetables. Through these activities, students become familiar with simple labor, gradually forming skills and positive habits right from the kindergarten level.

During the vegetable gardening process, students are guided by teachers through each basic step such as sowing seeds, watering, weeding, and monitoring plant growth. Each class is responsible for a small area, taking turns caring for the plants according to a schedule. Through this, teachers integrate education on work ethic, environmental protection, food safety, and teamwork skills for children.

This activity helps children gain more experience.

After each harvest, the school organizes a fundraising vegetable sale with the participation and support of parents and teachers. The money raised is used to buy gifts for underprivileged students during the Lunar New Year and at certain times during the school year.

During a recent fundraising campaign, the total amount raised from selling vegetables was approximately 2 million VND. From this fund, the school prepared Tet gifts for nearly 30 disadvantaged students, mainly those from poor families and students from remote villages who needed extra support to have a more fulfilling Tet celebration.

The children are fascinated by the green sprouts.

Many parents believe that organizing vegetable planting and selling for fundraising is a suitable approach for preschool children. Through hands-on experience, children are exposed to nature, develop perseverance, and learn to appreciate the fruits of labor. At the same time, linking experiential activities with the goal of supporting disadvantaged friends helps children develop a sense of sharing and responsibility at an early age.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy, from Hamlet 6, Van Ban Commune, shared: "Previously, my eldest daughter studied at this school, and now another child is studying here. Every year, the school organizes 'small projects' activities, creating opportunities for students to participate in caring for and planting vegetables, and gain practical experience. The children really enjoy it."

Teachers and students participate in experiential activities together, strengthening bonds and fostering sharing.

Following the merger, Van Ban No. 1 Kindergarten now has a larger campus, creating favorable conditions for expanding the area for growing vegetables. The school plans to continue expanding this model in the future, not only for experiential activities but also to supplement the supply of clean vegetables for school meals, contributing to improving the quality of care and nurturing for children.

The vegetables are sold to raise funds after harvesting.

The "Nursery of Young Seedlings" initiative is not a new model, but with an implementation tailored to local conditions, the program has yielded practical results. From small vegetable plots, preschool children gradually become familiar with labor, learn to share, and develop their first fundamental skills in the school environment.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/vuon-uom-cua-nhung-mam-xanh-post892377.html