Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Introducing permaculture to children


Last week I was honoured to be part of a living book activity at my sons school. A half dozen or so parents volunteered to be walking talking books, available for a class of students to borrow from the library and take back to their classroom. The topic I chose to give a talk on was permaculture, and I was pleasantly surprised when I was booked out solid for the entire event. However, that may have had something to do with my blurb containing frogs and lizards.

I gave a talk to four separate classes ranging from preschool to grade 6. All students were very receptive, including the grade sixes. I mainly talked about my garden at home and the permaculture principles that apply there. I told a few funny stories about Ginger the trapeze artist chicken, and the hot day I decided to take a swim in the bond and slipped on my ass. I even gave an impersonation of a chicken doing a poo, that was met with screwed up faces and one kid saying that they will never eat vegetables again. But most of all the children were in ore of my pencil drawing.

The nights prior I sat at the coffee table with my childrens colouring pencils drawing a picture of the garden. Melanie asked why I didn’t just print off some photos. For some reason I just thought it a good idea to draw the garden instead. Maybe it was the thought of going back to school that recalled a memory of some unfinished homework. Regadless I am glad I did. In every class, including the sixes, I was praised for my picture. One child even asked if I was an artist. You can imagine how that made me feel.

I had so much fun and the children were just wonderful. I don’t know who was entertaining who.The younger grades had their hands up all the time just wanting to add their own little stories, some relevant, some not so, but all a pleasure to hear. The grade sixes, who I expected to just sit there wishing for me to shut up and leave, also had stories to include and asked some great questions.

The thought of possibly leaving even just one of those children inspired to grow up to grow their own food, left me feeling very proud indeed. An experience I hope to do again.

14 comments:

  1. Beautiful, heart warming stuff, Jason. You are a real asset to our community! And an undiscovered (until recently) artist ( :
    Love and hugs
    Debbie

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    1. What a wonderful way to start my day reading your comment. I don't think I have ever been described as an asset to the community before. Thank you.
      Love and hugs right back at ya.

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  2. Ginger the trapeze artist got a mention! Well done, I'd have found it nervewracking.

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    1. Thanks to you a great story, has a great title. I have done public speaking before, and even though it is always a bit scary, I enjoy it.

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  3. Replies
    1. Permaculture is such a good word it's hard not to.

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  4. Well done on teaching the kids something they might not learn anywhere else!

    I love your blog - it inspires me to get into permaculture. Especially now that I am working hard at cooking more and more vegetarian food - inspired by my Mom's great veggie recipes. I just need to buy my own house (I've been renting too long)

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    1. I know of a number of people, including myself, that have or are growing their own food at rented properties. Talk to the landlord you might be pleasantly surprised. Also building a garden on top of wooden pallets might be a go.

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    2. Long term renter here, just have to find the right place, and right landlord - In the past I have had a RE agent, when I asked about the potential for a veg garden, say "You can't go digging up the garden to plant vegetables." lol and *sigh*. Searched a long time and just moved into a new place with existing veg plot, fruit trees and even chook pen, though it needs a bit of work before I'm satisfied it will be fox proof.

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    3. Good score, particularly the fruit trees. Rental places I have had in the past have either been run down back yards or Italian landlords.

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    4. Jason you just described my last place! I've now escaped to the country thanks to urban infill :)

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  5. What a great idea permaculture gardening is. I can't wait to give it a try.

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    1. It sure is. Why fight with nature when she will happily work with you. Best of luck with your permaculture pursuits.

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  6. Jason, what a wonderful story. Good for you, it sounded like a fantastic day enjoyed by all. Love it.

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