Partnership gave students introduction to plants and to Girl Scouting
MILFORD, NH – Kindergartners at Jacques Elementary School got to spend some time learning about plants and nature with Girl Scouts, giving their teacher a break and enriching their class days on May 2, 4 and 6.
Nine classes got to experience the way Girl Scout programming aligns with the academic skills they learn in school, as Tammy Downing, Heidi Roberge, and Malory Supan of Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains led the activities, which included making small planters from egg cartons for wildflower seeds and learning the difference between items that come from nature or are manufactured.
The council, which serves Girl Scouts across New Hampshire and Vermont, worked with Leslie Brigagliano, the elementary curriculum and Title I coordinator for the Milford School District, and Principal Timothy O’Connell to combine their curriculum on living things with the Girl Scout Daisy programming on ecology.
In Girl Scouts, girls take a hands-on approach to complement what they are learning in the classroom every day, giving them a safe space to practice STEM and life skills, becoming entrepreneurs, and exploring the outdoors. Research shows Girl Scouts are more likely to earn excellent grades, demonstrate higher academic aspirations, show a higher interest and involvement in their community, and have a stronger sense of self. As active members of your community and school, girls will be better prepared for life’s challenges.
Based upon criteria set by the U.S. Department of Education, there is promising evidence that Girl Scout programs improve outcomes for girls. Studies show that Girl Scout programs can help girls improve their academic skills and behavior and develop a strong sense of self, positive values, and healthy relationships. The Girl Scout Research Institute has found that Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to develop strong leadership outcomes, earn “excellent” grades, expect to graduate college, and to feel hopeful about their future.
The kindergarten classroom takeover is an effort by the Girl Scout council to give students a taste of what Girl Scouting is all about at the kindergarten level and share opportunities for them to join in their communities. The boys in the classroom takeover enjoyed the experience as well.
Supan said she had a great time with the kindergarten students at Jacques Memorial. “The kids had a great time learning about plants hands-on with a gardening activity. It’s so enriching to see students being able to apply their curriculum outside their normal classes.”
“I would definitely like to continue this partnership into next year with our kindergartners as well as our first-grade students,” said Brigagliano.
The Milford students went home with goodie bags with an invitation to learn more about Girl Scouting. You can learn more about Girl Scouting at www.girlscouts.org.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serves girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont through volunteer-run troops, events, and virtual programs. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org to learn more.
