Seeds of Compassion: Kinder-Garden Project for Self-Care and Growth
Help me give my students the chance to cultivate both plants and compassion by establishing our "kinder-garden"—an outdoor educational space for our little gardeners to grow their ability to care for our environment, themselves, and each other.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Dunbar's classroom raised $1,077
This project is fully funded
My Project
After an inspiring field trip to a local farm, the students returned with a shared dream: to build their very own garden on campus.
In this space, students will learn to see the world through others' eyes by working together to grow plants, collaborating, sharing responsibilities, and witnessing the results of their collective efforts.
Gardening will teach them patience and care, highlighting how nurturing something outside of themselves requires understanding and respect. By reflecting on their experiences in the garden and discussing how their actions affect plants and each other, students will develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for feelings and needs of others and the interconnectedness of their actions with the world around them.
Students will learn the value of helping others by nurturing plants and growing food that can be shared with those in need. They'll develop empathy as they care for the garden, understanding that while their efforts take time, their impact produces a tangible reward. Through guided discussions, students will connect the growth of plants with the idea of helping people grow and thrive. Donating produce to local shelters or food banks will teach students the joy of giving and that small actions, when combined with care and collaboration, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are less fortunate.
The success of students’ understanding of compassion will be measured through pre- and post-program surveys, behavioral observations, and student reflections. Surveys can assess changes in students’ understanding and practice of these qualities. Observing student interactions during gardening helps identify increases in empathy and cooperative behavior. Reflections and journals provide insight into students’ personal growth. Additionally, measuring the impact of the gardening project on the community, such as produce donations, can link tangible outcomes to the development of these key emotional skills.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, Potting Soil for Indoor and Outdoor Container Plants, Enriched with Plant Food, 2 cu. ft. (2-Pack)
• Amazon Business
$31.15
10
$311.50
CJGQ 2 Pack Fabric Raised Garden Bed 6x3x1ft Garden Grow Bed Bags for Growing Herbs, Flowers and Vegetables 128 Gallon…
• Amazon Business
$38.98
3
$116.94
Garden Hose 5/8 ID x 100 ft Black
• Grainger
$83.45
1
$83.45
Garden Hose Reel Wall Mount 12 in Resin
• Grainger
$54.52
1
$54.52
DOITOOL Kids Watering Can Small Metal Watering Cans, 5PCS Gardening Water Pots Garden Watering Bucket Plant Watering Can Iron Mini Watering Can for Kids (Beige)
• Amazon Business
$21.59
2
$43.18
18 Pcs Kids Gardening Tools Set, Metal Kids Yard Tools with Sturdy Wooden Handle Safe Children Beach Sandbox Toy Sand Play Tools for Flower Soil Planting Loosening Digging, Trowel, Rake, Shovel
• Amazon Business
$20.99
2
$41.98
5ft 6-Pack Tomato Cage Garden Plant Sticks/Stakes Support for Climbing Plants, Vegetables, Fruit, Flowers,Red
• Amazon Business
$37.89
1
$37.89
Gardeners Basics, Survival Vegetable Seeds Garden Kit Over 16,000 Seeds Non-GMO and Heirloom, Great for Emergency Bugout Survival Gear 35 Varieties Seeds for Planting Vegetables 35 Plant Markers
• Amazon Business
$29.75
1
$29.75
Gardzen 6-Pack Garden Kneeling Cushions - For Gardening, Baby Bath, Yoga, Pilates, Exercise, 16"x8"x1", Blue
• Amazon Business
$20.99
1
$20.99
TOCCYARD 8 Pack Plant Support Tomato Cages for Garden, 18 Inches Small Tomato Cages and Supports with Adjustable Rings for Garden Pots, Plant Stakes Tomato Trellis Rings for Climbing Plants
• Amazon Business
$19.99
1
$19.99
Bea's Bees
• Amazon Business
$11.84
1
$11.84
Mammoth Sunflower Seeds for Planting - Grow Giant Sun Flowers in Your Garden - 50 Non GMO Heirloom Seeds - Full Planting Instructions for Easy Grow - Great Gardening Gifts (3 Packets)
• Amazon Business
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. Dunbar and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
