The Rainbow Garden

THE PROGRAM: Students will view the Rainbow Garden as a microcosm of their community. A garden is beautiful because of the plethora of colors, shapes and textures of the flowers it contains. It is the same with our society. Each new immigrant adds to the eclectic patchwork of the American quilt, or a bright new addition to the American garden. Thus, the discipline of science can help to demonstrate that together everyone can achieve more, and grow.

After group research of plants and their community, students create a mural highlighting the flowers and the diverse cultures researched. This mural includes photographs of students and family members, various painted flowers and pertinent written data. It is displayed for the school to observe. Students also create a classroom garden in a greenhouse, germinated from seeds. The flowers growth patterns are charted and graphed for approximately one month. Then the plants are transplanted to an outside area within the school community. These activities develop the students' under-standing of botany, family and community history.

THE STUDENTS: Fifty fourth grade students ages nine through eleven functioning on and below grade level meet several times a week to work on this project. These students work individually and in groups.

THE STAFF: The Rainbow Garden was developed by Sandra Leiken, a fourth grade teacher who has previously been awarded an Impact developer grant; and, Robert Calderin, a fourth grade teacher and winner of many community service awards. However, the inspiration came from the students in the fourth grade who create a real life human rainbow.

MATERIALS & FACILITIES: Classroom, Encarta, Bookshelf, PC Globe, flower and plant books, seeds and planting materials, art supplies, and a cooperative spirit.

OUTSIDE RESOURCES: A class trip to a local nursery to enhance students' appreciation of flowers to receive gardening tips.

OVERALL VALUE: In a time when everything seems chaotic and too many people are focusing on differences, whether they are economic, religious, racial or cultural, it is the children who can bring about positive accepting attitudes, change their community, and, ultimately, the world. Knowledge of nature's beauty and our multicultural society via flowers, families and peers opens the doors for greater communication in and out of school. The Rainbow Garden can be adapted to all age levels across the curriculum. Lastly, the activities are fascinating and fun for everyone!

RECOMMENDED FUNDING: $200.00

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

DEVELOPER: Robert Calderin and Sandra Leiken

SCHOOL:

Elmwood Elementary School
43 Robert Pitt Drive
Monsey, New York 10952
914-577-6160

PRINCIPAL: Peter McGinness

DISTRICT: East Ramapo Central School District

 

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