Learning Math and Social Justice Through Gardening
Gardening offers far more than fresh produce—it’s a rich opportunity to nurture children’s learning in meaningful, hands-on ways. At our preschool, the seemingly simple act of dividing our harvest fairly amongst classes has become a powerful lesson in both numeracy and social justice.
It all started when our preschool class first recognized the need for fairness while deciding how many mulberries each class should receive. The concern about not taking too much and ensuring there were enough for the other classes was raised by one of our preschoolers, sparking a discussion on how to divide them fairly. After some debate, the children agreed that each class should receive six mulberries at a time. They documented their decision in our Outdoor Book, sharing their thoughts with the other classes, who embraced the system. And just like that, the mulberries were fairly distributed!
However, when the beans and tomatoes were ready to be harvested, our experienced preschoolers devised an even better system. This time, they counted and divided the crops more precisely, ensuring a fairer distribution. This hands-on process introduced key mathematical concepts like counting, addition, subtraction, and even early division in a way that felt relevant and purposeful. By handling the crops themselves—whether beans, carrots, or mulberries—children connected abstract mathematical ideas to tangible experiences.
But the lesson didn’t stop at math. The discussions around fairness sparked deep conversations about equity and justice. One day, the children noticed that some of our tomatoes had been nibbled on by a mysterious creature. Instead of feeling frustrated, they began to discuss whether it was fair for us to take all the tomatoes or if we should leave some for the animals. After much thought, they concluded that we had enough for ourselves and that it was okay for some wildlife to help themselves too.
Another moment of thoughtful problem-solving happened when the children realized that younger classmates might struggle to reach the higher-growing tomatoes. Instead of picking them all, they decided to leave the lower-hanging ones for the younger children to harvest, ensuring that everyone had a chance to participate. These discussions encouraged children to think critically, consider different perspectives, and develop empathy for both their peers and the natural world.
This process also underscored the importance of collaboration. Children had to listen to one another, weigh different opinions, and make collective decisions. These experiences helped foster a sense of community, reinforcing the idea that fairness isn’t always about equality—it’s about understanding and meeting each other’s needs.
By splitting the harvest, we’re planting seeds of curiosity, kindness, and responsibility. Through these simple yet profound lessons, children learn that their choices can shape a fairer and more just world.