Growing A Garden of Knowledge

With the use of a Learn and Serve grant obtained by Arrowhead Elementary School Math, Science and Technology teacher, Christina Maffia, and under the guidance of autism consultant, Dawn Milligan, the students in Christina Tarabocchia’s and Michelle Talento’s self-contained classes have been working to cultivate the grounds in the school’s courtyard and create a sustainable vegetable garden. 

In several boxed areas, the students are working to grow such things as strawberries, squash, peas, corn, and tomatoes. As the students attend school year-round, the students and their teachers will tend to the garden during the summer and use the produce as a part of their life skills curriculum. Additionally, this summer, Ms. Tarabocchia and Ms. Talento will be working to develop a curriculum plan for next school year, included in which will be plans for a sensory garden.

“This has been a great thing for our students as it gives them a new sense of responsibility,” stated Ms. Tarabocchia. “Working in the garden also enhances the students’ educational experience as they typically learn by using the five senses.”
 

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