Gardeners and Seedlings…
This is a project we have in school which ‘buddies up’ a Year 6 child with a child in EYFS. The relationship begins even before the youngest child starts school when the gardeners (Year 6) send a card to their seedling (EYFS) welcoming them to our school family. The aim is to provide the newest children in school with positive role models who will guide, support and nurture them as they settle into school life… and throughout their first year.
‘Rooted and Grounded in Love’
For the older children, it gives them a sense of responsibility and encourages them to live out our school value of ‘Love’, especially ‘LOVING OTHERS’ and also ‘LOVING OURSELVES’ as patience, self-control and self-respect are qualities needed to fulfil the role of a successful gardener.
The idea of the older children being the gardeners nurturing the young ‘seedlings’ fits beautifully with our mission that at St. John’s Christ will live in our hearts through faith making us rooted and grounded in LOVE. (Ephesians 3)
During the course of the year the children will take part in activities that develop their friendship and each others learning. This year the project has included: Gardeners showing their seedling how our family dining works, reading together, playing team games, designing christmas cards and the seedlings showing their gardners their achievements in the EYFS classroom.