Weeds in the Garden...

        Anyone who has ever tried to grow a garden, or a flower bed, or even a yard of grass knows that weeds seem to always find their way in somehow. In a garden, it is inevitable that there will be weeds. However, any expert gardener will tell you that each weed is different and the process to rid your garden of the weed must be adapted depending on the type of weed.

A dandelion looks like a beautiful flower but in fact is a nasty weed.

       
         Weeds seem to grow in classrooms as well. These weeds can also come in all shapes and sizes - difficult children, unreasonable expectations from administration, helicopter parents, family situations and even the teacher's disposition. Just when you think everything is growing perfectly, a pesky little weed rears its ugly thorny vine.

Crabgrass is deceiving because it looks like grass, but it will choke out other plants around it.

          










        As a teacher, it is important to know that every weed in your classroom needs special attention and care in order to help it grow into a beautiful mature plant. There is never a one size fits all fix to get rid of a weed and what worked on one weed may not work for others.

        Teaching children how to recognize weeds can help them to self correct - zapping weeds on their own along the way. A classroom garden provides an authentic example for such a metaphor in the classroom. Students have the opportunity to learn about weeds in the garden and make a real world connection to their own lives. A lesson on weeds in the garden would allow for the integration of science, language arts, and life skills.

        How would you get rid of weeds in your classroom?