Simple, hands-on ways to spark your child’s love for nature - right at home!
With Earth Day coming up on 22 April, there’s no better time to celebrate the planet with your child through meaningful, hands-on learning. And what better way to start than by growing something together?
At Kids Academy, we know that some of life’s most powerful lessons come from the natural world. Whether it’s caring for a plant, watching a flower bloom, or spotting insects in the garden, these experiences help children develop a sense of wonder, responsibility, and environmental awareness from a young age.
Many of our centres include garden spaces, worm farms, or sustainability practices that encourage children to connect with nature. We also offer a unique opportunity for preschool-aged children to learn about biodiversity and conservation through our Aussie Wildlife Champions program - part of our School Readiness offering for ages 3–5.
And the good news? You can start your own little gardening journey at home, no matter how much space you have.
Why Gardening Is So Valuable in the Early Years
Gardening is more than just a fun activity - it’s a gateway to lifelong learning. It supports children’s development across multiple areas:
- Encourages fine motor skills through digging, planting, and watering
- Builds patience, routine, and responsibility
- Fosters curiosity about how plants grow and where food comes from
- Offers sensory-rich learning experiences
- Sparks conversations about nature, weather, and lifecycles
It also gives children a chance to slow down and feel connected to something bigger - the earth beneath their feet.
No Garden? No Problem.
You don’t need a big backyard to create a meaningful gardening experience. Try one of these easy ideas:
- Grow herbs like basil or mint in a sunny kitchen window
- Reuse containers like yoghurt tubs, milk bottles, or egg cartons as plant pots
- Set up a vertical garden using hanging baskets or wall-mounted planters
- Let your child take the lead with a child-sized watering can and gardening tools
It’s not about how big the garden is - it’s about how involved your child feels in the process.
Great First Plants for Little Hands
Some plants are particularly fun (and forgiving!) for beginner gardeners:
🌿 Herbs like basil or parsley – quick to grow and great for the senses
🥬 Lettuce or spinach – fast-growing and easy to harvest
🌻 Sunflowers – bold, beautiful, and dramatic to watch
🥕 Carrots – plant from seed and observe the growth above and below
🌱 Snow peas or beans – climb fences and taste delicious right off the vine
Let your child pick a plant, name it, and take care of it - those small acts build confidence and connection.
Let Them Take Ownership
When children take the lead in caring for their garden, they gain more than gardening skills - they build empathy, independence, and a sense of achievement.
Encourage your child to:
- Choose which plants to grow
- Water them daily and talk about any changes they see
- Draw or photograph their plants’ progress
- Ask questions about the creatures they spot nearby
These types of observations are at the heart of our Aussie Wildlife Champions program, which introduces children to Australian animals and ecosystems while building awareness about protecting our environment - all in an age-appropriate, inspiring way.
How We Support Sustainability at Kids Academy
While not every centre has a garden, many of our services support sustainability through:
- Nature play and observation
- Recycling and reusing materials
- Worm farms and composting activities
- Water-wise conversations and energy-saving habits
These real-world experiences complement our focus on holistic development and align with the values of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, supporting children to become capable, confident learners - and thoughtful citizens of the future.
Let’s Grow Something Great - Together
Whether you grow a single herb pot on the windowsill or create a mini veggie patch in the backyard, gardening with your child is a wonderful way to celebrate Earth Day - and nurture their growing mind.
Want to explore how we inspire sustainability, discovery, and learning through play?
Find your nearest Kids Academy centre and book a tour today.
Let’s celebrate Earth Day by helping little hands grow big ideas.