Our social-language garden group has begun! 
On February 24th, we launched our beta-group Social Garden Group, and the initial experiences are truly beautiful.
Our first meeting had 7 students and their parents who worked together to plan our garden. Lori Goehrig (SLP) and her husband “Farmer Bob” brought many plants and seeds to consider. Personally, I had no idea there were so many colors of tomatoes! Here are some highlights…..
- We worked together to plan the gardens.
- The kids started planting seeds in pots.
- The kids decided we should grow 100 tomatoes, 29 carrots, 1 onion, and 1 green bean.
- For the social skills objectives, we discussed identifying our feelings in our bodies and recognizing the body language of others.
- Theresa Ruth (SLP) promoted vocabulary and pragmatic language with embedded play-based instruction.
- Riffat Merchant, Carolyn Maguire, and the parents also helped kids learn and work together.
After the first meeting, we had a Go Baby Go Car fitting: an inspiring way to end the premier launch of our garden club.
Week 2 (March 3rd), our garden continued to grow. We planted vegetables and marigolds in garden boxes. Check out these social interactions, motor development, language opportunities, learning experiences, and best of all – big smiles!
The idea started in 2015 with an amazingly talented SLP, Sally Waldron. Life is beautiful, but unfair. As we move forward without her leadership, we recognize that obstacles along the journey don’t block the path, they are the path. With strength and teamwork, we can grow her garden into something inspiring.
