trafton] types of the best nature-study 37 



II. CHILDREN'S HOME GARDENS 

 BY GILBERT H. TRAFTON, Passaic, N.J. 



One of the most successful features of the work in nature-study in 

 the Passaic schools has been in connection with the children's home 

 gardens, which have been planted with seeds sold the children in 

 penny packets. The following details in carrying out this plan are 

 given with the thought that they may be of interest to other teachers 

 who would like to try the plan. 



The seeds were obtained from The Home Gardening Association 

 of Cleveland, Ohio, (address 501 St. Clair Ave.,) which puts up 

 penny packets of seeds to be sold to the children in the schools of its 

 own city and of any other cities that wish to improve the opportunity. 

 Large order envelopes (price $1.75 per thousand), containing a list of 

 seeds, both flower and vegetable, which may be secured at a penny a 

 packet, were given to the children who wished them and were taken 

 home, where in consultation with their parents the list of the seeds 

 desired was made out. These envelopes, together with the money, 

 were returned to the teacher. In the Cleveland schools the envelopes 

 are sent to the Association where the orders are filled directly, but 

 for other cities the total number of packets wanted in a school or city 

 are ordered, the envelopes being retained by each teacher. The 

 orders for the seeds were sent in before the first of March and the 

 seeds were received during April. The packets were distributed to 

 the various rooms and given to the children in their envelopes. At 

 this time there was furnished each child a direction card (cost $1.35 

 per thousand) which gives suggestions concerning the care of the 

 garden. 



The children have taken great interest in this work. While waiting 

 for the seeds to come the teacher is besieged many times with the 

 question, "When will our seeds be here?" An especially gratifying 

 result has been the interest aroused in the parents. Many of them 

 have spoken to the author, telling of the great pleasure which both 

 they and their children have taken in connection with this work. 



The work has been of value in furnishing the children healthful 

 employment and recreation at home during the summer, and in giving 

 higher ideals of beautiful home surroundings. 



Two sets of prizes were given last year. One series was given to 

 those schools having the best flower shows, which were held in the 

 fall, the flowers being brought by the children from their gardens. 



