Gardening Time

For PAL (Program for Active Learning) lesson this week, our class had a lesson on gardening. The instructor , Miss Pam , went through with the class what are the things that help a plant grow. Plants need water, air and warmth.

The students were given plastic cups and they were told to scoop soil into the cups. Next they dig a hold with their finger before they planted two tiny White Cabbage seeds in the soil. Lastly, they watered their seeds.

I was amazed at how deprived our Singaporean children were. Having grown up in a kampong until I was 12 years old, some of the kids were complaining that the soils was dirty and smelly. It took them some encouragement before they were willing to dig a hold in the soil. Some even asked for their hands to be washed immediately. I felt that it was a rare chance that the children have to connect with nature.

I told the children that they have to experience the planting activity by themselves to truly enjoy it.

At the end of the lesson, the children were told to take the seeds home and take care of them . They will learn about responsibility.

Little Athirah told me that she will be going to a chalet with her family over the long weekend. She is troubled that nobody is going to take care of her plant. I suggested that maybe she should take the plant along to the chalet which she quickly replied " Good idea!". I hope her parents will not find it a hassle and scold me :)