Garden Fun for Kids with Special Needs

Plants Flowers or Veggies to Teach Responsibility and Science

Apr 18, 2009

Spring is a great time to teach the child with special needs about the basics of plant care and growth. His self esteem grows as he learns responsibility and science.

Many areas are beginning to have warm weather. It is time to choose the plants that will grow outside. Whether they are flowers or veggies, plant care is valuable for the child with special needs.

Choosing the Garden’s Location

Consider letting your child choose flowers to plant in a garden or large container. If there is not a yard or patio where the flowers can be grown, a smaller container that can be maintained inside may fit the bill.

Choosing Flowers

Some children prefer the amazing colors and blooms of flowers. Some children with special needs may prefer flower plants as opposed to starting from seeds. However, there is much to be learned from planting seeds and observing them as they sprout and grow into flowering plants. An alternative is to choose both seeds and plants.

Zinnias are especially hardy. They bloom all summer and can be cut for bouquets. The child with special needs will be proud when his flowers are the centerpiece for a family barbeque or the gift for someone who is sick.

Petunias are also hardy. The plants fill out and can cover a large area if they are properly cared for. This flower comes in a variety of colors (even with stripes) and has been a favorite for generations. The down side of petunias is that they do not work as cut flowers. All of the enjoyment must take place outside, not on the dining room table.

Choosing Veggies

Growing vegetables might be the route to go for some kids with special needs. Not only will they have the plant growing experience, they will be able to eat the things that they grow.

Tomatoes are relatively hardy. They take lots and lots of water, so the over anxious gardener will enjoy caring for them. Tomatoes also can be grown in a small space, even in a large container on a patio or on a deck.

Green beans also work well for the young gardener with special needs. Many varieties have a long growing season. Additional benefits may include getting the eater with tactile defensiveness to try something new.

Teaching Flower and Vegetable Vocabulary

Use the natural enthusiasm of the child to build vocabulary skills related to gardening. Here is a list for starters:

Teaching Plant Science to Kids with Special Needs

There are lots of science concepts that can be taught while caring for a garden. These can be discussed orally or they can be documented with pictures and labeled in a book.

Growing veggies and flowers is a great parent-child hobby for the child with special needs. Vocabulary and science concepts are easily learned . . . and the products are useful. The greatest thing to be reaped, however, is the positive self-esteem of the child with special needs.

The copyright of the article Garden Fun for Kids with Special Needs in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Lynn Moore. Permission to republish Garden Fun for Kids with Special Needs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.