Literacy in the kitchen garden

This story was originally created in response to schools and services expressing concern about continuing to run kitchen garden classes in light of social distancing concerns due to COVID-19. We created seven stories with suggestions for delivering STEM, Arts, Recipes, Knife Skills, Literacy and Numeracy without the preparing and sharing. 
 
Our second stage of resources, created for members, delves more deeply into curriculum links and specific topics of interest. Please see our KGP at home collection on the Shared Table. For information on becoming a member head to this page.

Now is the perfect time to slow down and get on top of that wish-list you may not have had time for, and those skills to be perfected, regardless of physical distancing. For those looking for ways to maintain a thriving kitchen garden classroom without the preparing and sharing, we have compiled a list for you below.

Literacy in the kitchen garden

The kitchen and garden are valuable learning spaces that offer a range of opportunities to reinforce and enhance the skills and concepts taught in the classroom including literacy. Here are some great ways you can bring literacy into your kitchen garden class:

• Collect your favourite recipes, cut each step up, then get your class to help sequence the recipe by putting it back into the correct order.
• Design a menu for a meal at home including the ingredients that your family enjoys eating.
• Explore the conventions of food advertising on film or in print by looking at a range of examples, then create your own food advertisement.
• Write a report for the school newsletter about the progress in the garden. Describe how a plant feels when it’s thirsty.
• Write a letter to local businesses inviting them to fund upcoming garden projects.
• Design a creative writing piece such as a script about what happens in the garden.

Volunteers make up such a vital part of the kitchen garden community. This is the perfect opportunity to get students to write out thankyou cards to volunteers, people who have donated and community sponsors.

Take a look at both our kitchen and garden literacy posters for more great ideas on incorporating literacy into your kitchen garden.

• Literacy in the garden poster (file - 100.98 kB)
• Literacy in the kitchen poster (file - 75.92 kB)
  

Sharing

If you are a Program or member school or service and not sharing food during this time, remember there are other ways we can share! One way is to let us know about all the great work happening in your kitchen and garden on the Shared Table. Remember to take a landscape picture and fill in the details of your activity to let the whole kitchen garden community know what you’re up to. You are able to like and comment on other schools or services’ activities as well and keep connected!

We would like to advise that this information provided is general in nature and not specific. Please check your local government websites to make sure your program can adhere to Health and Safety Practices specific to your area.

For more information and support or to become a member, contact our Support Team on 13000 SAKGF (13000 72543) or support@kitchengardenfoundation.org.au