Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Growing Good Kids: Junior Master Gardener Program NOTE: schedule for spring 2019 (february?)








Dig In! Let's get Growin'
Level I Mascot
Fun and educational gardening activities for Kids!


What is the Junior Master Gardener Program?


"The Junior Master Gardener program is an international youth gardening program of the University Cooperative Extension network. JMG engages children in novel, “hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that provide a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind."  (jmgkids.us)  The curriculum is designed to facilitate teaching life skills, math skills, observation skills and social skills through ecology, gardening, reading, and leadership.
How does the program work?

The curriculum offers two levels: elementary (Level I) and middle school (Level II).Level 1 (elementary children) Level 2 (middle/jr. high students) http://jmgkids.us for curriculum and website.
Because the JMG materials are creative, well-researched, horticulturally robust and readily available through the Texas A&M University Extension, the materials have been used by a wide range of people and organizations. They are considered a treasure trove of experiential gardening activities, its applications seem limitless. (Fleming)

In Level I, The Literature in the Garden Module features award winning books!
The 2018 Growing Good Kids Excellence in Children’s Literature Award Winners were announced at the National Children & Youth Garden Symposium on July 13, 2018 at Cornell University. http://jmgkids.us/bookawards/

Always a favorite among all age groups: Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens on you tube

Who can participate? Any children's activity groups: 4-H, after school, in school (the curriculum is approved for state standards), nature field studies, gardening clubs, home-schooled children, library programs, wildlife centers, faith-based groups groups. The possibilities really are limitless!


Decorated Potted Grasses
Community Garden Activity
In 2008, the Canyon County Extension Master Gardeners sponsored events at the Middleton Community Center, Nampa Public Library, Veteran’s Therapeutic Garden, Trinity Community Garden, and the Canyon Hill Community Garden. Over 250 youth participated!



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Mr. Thistle
Level II Mascot




For more information contact:

University of Idaho Canyon County Extension 208-459-6003
or
http://jmgkids.us for curriculum and website

"The terms, Junior Master Gardener, JMG and Golden Ray Series, and associated logos, are service marks of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service."