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How Good are School Gardens?

Exploring the Holistic Benefits of School Garden Experiences

By Emma Derainne

$39.95

In How Good are School Gardens? seasoned educator, Emma Derainne, with over two decades of experience, delves into the transformative potential of school gardens. Drawing from her extensive background in Early Childhood and Primary Education across Australia, Asia, and Europe, Emma explores how these vibrant green spaces offer more than just nutritional benefits. Through engaging anecdotes and practical insights, she illustrates how school gardens foster hands-on learning, therapeutic benefits, safety and security, environmental stewardship and a deep connection to the community.

Emma’s book is a compelling invitation for educators to reimagine their teaching practices by integrating school gardens into the curriculum. With a focus on experiential learning and community engagement, she provides a comprehensive guide to creating and maintaining school gardens that cater to diverse student needs. From promoting sustainability to enhancing academic outcomes through real-world applications, How Good are School Gardens? offers valuable strategies and reflective prompts. This book is an essential resource for teachers looking to cultivate enriching, dynamic and inclusive educational environments that nurture students’ growth and holistic development.

Also available via Amazon Kindle and iBooks

ISBN: 9781923215429

Size: 234 x 156 mm

Black & white, 182 pages

Published: October 2024

About the author: Emma Derainne

Emma Derainne is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood and Primary Education, having taught in Australia, Asia, and Europe. In 2024, Emma is completing her third postgraduate degree, a Master of Philosophy from the University of Queensland, focusing on the meaning teachers attribute to school gardens. Currently, she is embarking on a cross-disciplinary PhD project emphasising the intersection of education, health, and sciences to enhance children's overall vitality and well-being. A First-Generation graduate from a rural community, Emma’s empathy and compassion for her students are evident in her role as Program Coordinator for Early Childhood Education and Food and Nutrition Sciences at Federation Online. Emma, a mother to two boys, draws inspiration from her personal and professional life to think deeply about what school gardens really mean, how we can use them, and how they can be symbols of our communities.

Reviews

This more than just a book; it is a call to action. Emma’s passionate advocacy for school gardens is contagious. How Good are School Gardens? is a vital resource for educators, parents and anyone interested in the intersection of education, wellbeing and the environment.
Margherita Ghezzi, Author, Program Coordinator, Education, Western Sydney University Online

How Good are School Gardens? offers a clear framework and reflections to help you set up or revive your school garden for success and sustainability. Based upon Emma’s own experience and research into school gardens, this book is as practical as it informative.
Jennie Hodges, Nature-based Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Through a deep understanding of the transformative potential of school gardens, Emma Derainne illuminates how these spaces can nurture not only a connection to nature but also emotional resilience and healing. Emma's insights into the role school gardens play in fostering a sense of belonging, safety and emotional regulation are truly profound. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to create environments that support the holistic wellbeing of students.
Lisa Henderson, Teacher, School Guidance Counsellor, Trauma Researcher