The Co-Creation of a “Kinder Garden”

Abstract

Central to this paper is the author’s assertion that interacting authentically with the outdoors can connect children to the earth, thus creating in them a heart for the place in which they live (Louv, 2008). Using narrative inquiry methodology (Clandinin & Connelly, 2000), the author explored her co-creation of a “kinder garden” with her kindergarten students and their parents. In this article, she reflects on how creating this garden benefited the children and their learning, both at school and at home. She discusses how creating the garden also benefited the families and the community involved. Finally, using input from parents, the author imagines new possibilities for the co-creation of such gardens.