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Thu, 20 Feb 2025
JIMBARAN – Widiatmika Early Childhood Education (PAUD Widiatmika) once again held a gardening activity on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, as part of its efforts to cultivate a love for the environment from an early age. By fostering ecological awareness in young children, they are expected to play an active role in environmental conservation in the future.
Widiatmika PAUD teacher, Ni Ketut Arcani, explained that gardening activities offer numerous benefits for young learners, from recognizing various plant species and their uses, understanding how to care for plants, to realizing the positive impact of plants on the environment.
"Young children are the future of our nation, and they need to be guided to develop a love for their environment from an early age. By introducing good habits, they will grow into individuals who are environmentally conscious and ready to contribute to conservation efforts on a larger scale," said Arcani.
This gardening activity involved all students from the Playgroup, Kindergarten A, and Kindergarten B levels. Throughout the activity, they learned about plant growth, planting techniques, and proper plant care. This process not only enhanced their understanding of nature but also helped develop patience and responsibility. A variety of plants were cultivated, including flowers such as sandat and jempiring; root crops like ginger, turmeric, and galangal; and vegetables such as eggplant, chili, tomatoes, and bitter melon.
Arcani further stated that gardening activities have brought about positive changes in the attitudes and habits of Widiatmika PAUD students. They have become more aware of the benefits of plants, the function of school gardens, and have shown greater care for the environment.
"Children are now more attentive to plants, and even at home, they have started taking better care of them. They have also become more grateful for nature’s blessings and feel encouraged to preserve the environment. This positive habit is evident in their enthusiasm for watering and checking on their plants every time they arrive at school," Arcani explained.
Besides fostering a love and concern for the environment, gardening activities also contribute to the development of children's motor, cognitive, and social skills. Gardening is a holistic-integrative learning method that stimulates various aspects of a child's intelligence through a fun and educational activity.
Furthermore, Arcani expressed hope that gardening would become one of Widiatmika PAUD’s flagship programs due to its broad benefits. Moving forward, this activity will be expanded into the Harvest Day program, where students will be invited to harvest their crops, package them, and sell them to parents and the Widiatmika School community. Through this initiative, children will not only learn about farming but also gain an early introduction to entrepreneurship and independence.
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