Diverse young children share their experience growing fruits and vegetables in the garden from seed to sprout to harvest. This book is filled with teachable moments, simple gardening terminology, opportunities to mimic and move, and a rich STEM experience that introduces children to the beneficial process of working the land and reaping the rewards. A garden is where they can observe natural changes and use their senses to investigate the world. Teaching children where food comes from is an effective way to give them control over their diet and promote healthy eating. Lyrical rhyming verses and colorful imagery prompt readers to make little discoveries along the way. Plant something that helps children grow. ------------- Related terms and phrases: gardening for young children, community gardens, nutrition month, fruits and vegetables, growing healthy foods, growing fruits, growing vegetables, planting vegetables, planting fruit, harvesting a garden, planting healthy food, planting a garden, how to plant a garden, garden fresh food, farm to table, nutrition grants, health initiatives, healthy living, healthy eating, nutrition forum, nutrition workshop, nutrition education, gardening workshop. ***** This title is available in bulk for early childhood and nutrition grants that promote healthy eating, fruits and vegetables, gardening, farm to table, STEM initiatives, and anti-obesity. Contact the publisher (Abridge Club) directly for orders and pricing. --------- Similar books in this category: "Tops and Bottoms by Janet Stevens and "Planting a Rainbow" by Lois Ehlert. --------- Early Childhood Benefits of Gardening: 1. Gives an opportunity to design and create a gardening space. 2. A socioemotional experience - children work cooperatively toward a positive outcome. 3. Provides a therapeutic calming effect from outdoor, fresh air activity, disconnected from electronics and the stress of life. (Netherlands study) 4. Engages all senses - a sensorimotor experience. 5. Gain an understanding of where food comes from. 6. Leads to increased food preparation after harvest. 7. Encourages the consumption of fresh produce. Children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. 8. Engages children and adults in moderate exercise and physical activity: bending, twisting, stretching, lifting, pulling, reaching. Improves fine motor skills, hand strength, and dexterity. 9. Learn patience, responsibility, and gain a sense of confidence. 10. Experience a scientific process that pays off. 11. Develops planning, STEM, and analytical abilities. 12. Introduces the sciences: life, earth, and physical sciences - botany, biology, and chemistry. 13. Provides an opportunity to examine the world around us: weather, temperature, insects, animals, etc. 14. Explores the limits of natural resources and the importance of using them carefully. 15. Highlights the importance of taking care of the environment. 16. Sunshine on the skin helps the body make Vitamin D! Vitamin D helps our bodies use calcium, keeps our bones strong, and helps us fight diseases. --------- RELATED TOPICS and PROGRAMS: vegetables, veggies, cooking, harvest, food preparation, gardening, community garden, early childhood snacks, STEM in the kitchen, STEM in the garden, nutrition month, child nutrition, nutrition standards, nutritious meals, nutritious snacks, food groups, Head Start ECLKC, Head Start Nutrition, Early Start Nutrition Program, anti-obesity, childhood obesity, overweight children, healthy children, Meal Patterns, EatPlayGrow, Grow It, Try It, Like It!, ChooseMyPlate, MyPlate, Action For Healthy Kids, The Whole Child, Health World Organization, dietary guidelines, healthy eating, healthy choices, health grants, health initiatives, USDA, CACFP, CCFP, Child and Adult Care Food Program.