The significance of school gardens and nature programs in the UAE is fueled by the unique climate and need for sustainable development. These programs help students understand the importance of nature, especially water conservation. Moreover, awareness regarding local flora and fauna also aids in understanding the concept of sustainable agriculture. To cater to this, a number of schools in the Emirate are offering nature programs and gardens. Students here can learn cultivation, agriculture and other related aspects.

Here we have elaborated on the benefits of school garden and nature programs highlighting its importance for the students in the UAE. 

Advantages of School Garden and Nature Programs

The history of the school gardens and nature programs dates back to the early 20th century when it was introduced to enhance the practical learning of students. To date, these programs are popular to increase student’s learning regarding the environment. 

Let’s take a look at some benefits of school gardens and nature programs in the UAE. 

Improve Mental and Physical Health

Gardening involves physical labour which requires attention and coordination. Therefore, students enrolled in gardening and nature programs are healthy contrary to their peers. Aside from physical activity, these programs also increase students’ knowledge regarding healthy food leading to a balanced diet. 

The combination of physical activity and a balanced diet secure students from many diseases including obesity. Similarly, engaging in healthy physical activities like gardening reduces stress and anxiety levels in students. Thus, gardening and nature programs can improve the mental and physical health of a student. 

Fabricate Relation with Nature

Spending time outdoors in the garden can create a strong bond between students and nature. Students while gardening, witness natural processes improving their understanding of the environment and nature. Moreover, learning to care for nature also helps them in taking conservation steps and highlights its importance. 

Students are able to comprehend the concept of independence of human civilization on nature and biodiversity. This combination creates an image of nature conservation and the importance of sustainability for humans. 

Teaches Responsibility

Next on the list of benefits of school gardens and nature programs is teaching responsibility to students. In nature programs, students are required to take care of a plant which boosts a sense of responsibility. Furthermore, they are also taught different techniques and tips on how to take care of a plant. Ensuring that a plant is growing properly and has all the right nutrients makes students more responsible.

Contributes to Better Academics

One of the core advantages of gardening and school programs is that it enhances the academic performance of a student. Gardening provides them a platform for practical learning, allowing them to implement their classroom knowledge in the garden. For instance, if a student faces difficulty in understanding the concept of photosynthesis in the classroom, demonstrations in a garden can help them understand it better. 

While working in the garden, students are required to think critically and solve multiple problems. Therefore, gardening and nature programs are also known for increasing critical thinking among students. Critical thinking is accompanied by creativity and responsibility too. 

Build Healthy Habits

A school garden and nature program is a place to promote social and healthy habits among students. During these programs, students learn different techniques and skills which are required later in their careers. 

The core skills that they learn during these programs are collaboration and teamwork. In a school garden, all the students are required to work as a team, enabling them to develop their leadership skills. 

Develops Empathy 

Gardening develops empathy and sympathy in a student towards other living organisms. The first-hand experience of natural processes elaborates on the importance of nature. Moreover, it also highlights the difficulties of other living organisms. For instance, if a student grows his own fruit after nurturing a tree for months, he will better understand the hardships of a farmer.

These were all the benefits of school garden and nature programs in the UAE. The nature programs are designed to help students understand the natural process. Moreover, it also elaborates on different types of flora and fauna. Therefore, the program builds a sense of responsibility and empathy among the students. Browse through Schoolio and choose from an array of schools providing nature programs to students.