Gardeners let’s get ready to ‘chalk n roll’ this summer 😎 Sidewalk chalk is an amazingly fun, summer SEL 'gardening tool' that allows for hours of outdoor learning through play! There are so many simple and easy games you can create with just one piece of chalk that the whole family can enjoy! Scroll down for some gardener approved Sidewalk Chalk Games and Activities that will keep gardeners of all ages active, engaged and outside for hours! Chalk Bullseye Make a multi color bullseye with your sidewalk chalk and allocate points for each ring and bullseye. Grab a stone, wet sponge or a bean bag and start tossing! Chalk Tic Tac Toe Draw a classic tic tac toe board with your chalk and start marking your x's and o's! Chalkboard Chess or Checkers Make a grid with 8 squares by 8 squares, the same as a standard checkerboard. Grab your checkers or chess pieces or use some rocks! Humongous Hopscotch Our gardening team LOVES to make humongous hopscotches...it's kind of our thing! Click here> to learn how to make one for yourself or check out the links below for a few we have made for some of our schools we have teamed up with! Kings Road School > Click Here Copper Hill School > Click Here Califon School > Click Here Gardener Anna's DIY Chalk Paint No Chalk, No Problem-Learn how to make Gardener Anna's tie-dye chalk paint from Session 2 of Camp Hello Gardeners® watch the video and get the recipe --> Click here! Hey gardeners...Did you do any of our chalk games? If so, then CONGRATULATIONS, you just earned yourself the Chalk Games Gardening Tool Badge! How many Gardening Tool Badges have you earned this year? Send us an email to flowers@youareagardener.com Unleash the creativity with these Sidewalk Chalk Games and Activities! From Chalk Bullseye to Humongous Hopscotch, there's endless fun for the whole family.

Hello, gardeners! Today, we're excited to share a delightful Fruity Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark Recipe to help you chill out on a hot summer day. This sweet summer treat is simple to prepare with wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt, berries, dark chocolate chips, and shredded coconut. Packed with essential vitamins and goodness, this recipe offers a nutritious boost. It's a fun and easy activity for gardeners of all ages, allowing for creativity. The end result is not only visually beautiful but also a tempting snack for gardeners of all ages to savor and enjoy. Just mix the ingredients, sprinkle with shredded coconut, freeze for 3+ hours, break into pieces, and enjoy! Feel free to experiment with different fruits or even drizzle chocolate on top after freezing. Creating simple, tasty, and healthy summer recipes is beneficial for our social and emotional well-being for gardeners of all ages: Boosts Mood: Nutritious foods can positively influence our mental health, reducing stress and anxiety. Encourages Mindfulness: Preparing and enjoying meals mindfully can help us appreciate the present moment. Promotes Creativity: Experimenting with fresh, seasonal ingredients can be a fun and creative outlet. Supports Physical Health: Balanced, wholesome meals provide essential nutrients, boosting energy levels and overall health. Facilitates Relaxation: Cooking can be a relaxing and meditative activity, offering a break from daily stresses. Inspires Healthy Habits: Enjoying healthy meals together can encourage long-term healthy eating habits. Celebrates Summer’s Bounty: Utilizing fresh, local produce connects us to the season and the environment. Scroll down to get the recipe, watch the recipe tutorial, and scroll all the way down to Collect Your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Gardener Shanna's Fruity Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark Recipe 2-3 Cups Fresh Berries Large container of Greek Yogurt (we used vanilla) 1/2 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips A Couple Handfuls of Shredded Coconut PRESS PLAY TO WATCH THE STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL FOR THIS RECIPE Mix all ingredients except the coconut in a mixing bowl, gently folding in the berries. Next line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and pour yogurt mixture evenly on sheet. Next, use the coconut flakes to top. Put in the freezer for 3+ hours and enjoy! We recommend breaking it up and putting in an air tight container or plastic bag when it's frozen. It should last for a good week or so. *Some additional toppings/ mix ins that would be super yummy are: jam, chopped nuts, mini white chocolate chips, swap the berries for bananas, dried fruit, or a chocolate drizzle. To check out more gardener approved recipes...click here! Gardener Anna & Gardener Diamond enjoying our Fruity Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark After A Hot Summer Day At The Pool Hey gardeners, did you make our Fruity Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark recipe? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the 'Fruity Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Chill out this summer with our Fruity Frozen Yogurt Berry Bark Recipe. A delicious, healthy treat for all ages, packed with essential vitamins and goodness. Get creative this summer gardeners and share your creations with us @youareagardener!

Hello, gardeners! Are you ready for the joke of the day? Sharing jokes is an excellent way to shift our focus from our weeds (stress) and guide us back to a more relaxed and light-hearted state of mind where we can appreciate our flowers (calm & positive mindset). Telling a joke is like planting seeds of laughter; with a little patience and the right timing, you can watch joy bloom in the hearts of those around you. Here's Gardener Aidan’s Joke Of The Day: Hey gardeners... How does a daisy ride a bike? It petals! Now that we've shared a giggle, let's dig into the joy of laughing. Laughter truly is a universal language that connects all gardeners. Whether it's a witty one-liner, a clever pun, or a funny story shared among friends, humor has the power to brighten even the darkest of days. It’s not just about the joke itself, but the shared experience and the joy that comes with it. When we laugh together, we foster a sense of community and belonging, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. So gardeners, the next time you find yourself stuck in the weeds (overwhelmed), take a moment to share a laugh an a joke of the day, —it's a simple and fun way to boost your mood and uplift those around you.

Positive Summer Screen Time : School's out, and summer is here! Explore our YouTube channel providing positive summer screen time for gardeners of all ages, showcasing fun crafts, simple recipes, outdoor activities, and much more. Visit our YouTube channel @youareagardener this summer for inspiration to keep kids active, creative, and engaged! Uncover the ultimate guide to positive summer screen time for kids! Discover fun and educational activities for a memorable and enriching summer.

Would you like your school to be highlighted in an upcoming School Spotlight on our #PullYourWeeds® Blog? We love showcasing the amazing schools we connect and collaborate with. It's a privilege for us to visit so many incredible schools, immerse ourselves in their culture, and witness the kindness within each school’s community. From outstanding administrators, counselors, educators, families, to the exceptional students we meet during our assemblies and workshops, we appreciate them all. We take pleasure in featuring most of the school’s we visit on our #PullYourWeeds® Blog. ⭐️READ RECENT REVIEWS ON OUR ASSEMBLIES & SEL PROGRAMS -CLICK HERE⭐️ If your school is interested in digging into our assemblies or SEL programs, we would love to showcase you in an upcoming School Spotlight! Contact us via email today to learn more flowers@youareagardener.com Discover extraordinary schools in our School Spotlight series on #PullYourWeeds® Blog. Join us in celebrating remarkable educators, students, and communities!

Hello, gardeners! Today, Gardener Kelsey has an exciting new video showing us how to create Seeds Packet Sugar Cookies (sugar cookies that look like seed packets)! This delightful recipe is all about the details, making these cookies perfect for picnics, garden parties or any summer celebrations. Scroll down to watch Gardener Kelsey's brand new video and scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Cooking and baking are extremely beneficial to our social and emotional growth, and indulging in this charming recipe is truly satisfying! The process of cooking and baking can be incredibly therapeutic and rewarding. It allows us to express our creativity, relieve stress, and boost our self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment that comes from successfully making a recipe can uplift our mood and provide a sense of fulfillment. Watch Gardener Kelsey's Video For The Recipe & Step-By-Step Tutorial Link to sugar cookie recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdTynosHPNg Link to royal icing recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/royal-icing-recipe-1941917 This sweet little sugar cookie recipe was inspired by @mustloveherbs The real fun begins with decorating these Seed Packet Sugar Cookies! Gardener Kelsey shows us how to create the intricate designs that make these cookies so special. She encourages gardeners of all ages to get creative with their designs, perhaps even personalizing the seed packet cookies with the names of friends and family members. This personal touch makes them ideal for gifts or party favors, adding a unique and heartfelt element to any gathering. Gardener Kelsey's Tip: Due to the numerous steps involved, it is strongly advised that younger gardeners prepare these cookies with adult supervision. Gardener Kelsey reminds everyone that the joy of baking goes beyond the final product. It’s about the process, the creativity, and the love that goes into each batch. She invites gardeners to share their own cookie creations on social media and tag us @youareagardener , fostering a community of gardeners who inspire and support one another. Happy baking, gardeners! Hey gardeners, did you make your own Seed Packet Sugar Cookies? If so, congratulations, you can collect the 'Seed Packet Sugar Cookies' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Learn how to make adorable Seed Packet Sugar Cookies with Gardener Kelsey! Perfect for garden parties and summer celebrations. Get creative and have fun!

Hello gardeners! Today Gardener Kelsey is buzzing with excitement because she is going to show us how to create a DIY Watering Station For Bees in her brand new video! 🐝 Scroll down to watch Gardener Kelsey's new video & scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Creating a bee watering station with your kids or students can be a fun and educational activity with numerous social and emotional learning (SEL) benefits. Not only does it provide a hands-on learning experience about the importance of bees in our ecosystem, but it also helps promote environmental awareness and conservation efforts. 🐝 All you need to make your own bee watering station is a terracotta pot with drainage holes and a saucer, gravel or rocks and paint! By setting up a bee watering station, you are not only providing a vital resource for these important pollinators but also creating a safe space for them to thrive. This activity can spark curiosity in gardeners of all ages about the natural world around them and encourage them to take an active role in protecting the environment. Additionally, it can be a great way to foster creativity and teamwork as you work together to design and maintain the watering station. Creating a bee watering station is a wonderful way to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment in our next generation. 🐝 🐝 Buzz Worthy & Fun Facts About Bees 🐝 Bees have five eyes, two large compound eyes and three smaller simple eyes. A single honey bee can visit up to 5,000 flowers in a day. Bees communicate with each other by dancing. Bees are the only insects in the world that make food that people can eat. The buzzing sound that bees make is the sound of their wings flapping. Hey gardeners, did you make your own Watering Station For Bees? If so, congratulations, you can collect the ' Bee Watering Station' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! 🐝 Discover how to create a buzz-worthy DIY watering station for bees and engage kids in a fun, educational activity with social and emotional learning benefits.🐝

Hello gardeners! Are you looking for a delightful and fun way to add a pop of color to your potted plants, gardens, or outdoor spaces? Today, Gardener Kelsey is sharing a fresh, new video demonstrating how to create a Colorful Flower Rocks Craft for your indoor or outdoor gardens. Material Needed: All you need are rocks and acrylic paints to craft a lovely flower design, perfect for any spot your gardening hearts desire. These flower rocks can also be beautifully attached to wood, canvas, cardboard, or thick paper. Scroll down to watch Gardener Kelsey's brand new video and scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Gather some rocks  gardeners and let your creativity blossom!  This flower rock craft is good for our social and emotional growth, providing a therapeutic and relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by gardeners of all ages. As you paint each rock creating a petal and/or leaf, you’ll find a sense of calm washing over you, helping to alleviate stress (your weeds)  and foster mindfulness (your flowers). Gardener Kelsey also encourages us the importance of using a variety of vibrant colors to bring our flower rocks to life. Whether we choose poppy pinks, sunny yellows, serene blues, or lush greens, each color adds its own unique touch, making every rock flower a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. For those gardeners looking to add a personal touch, try incorporating patterns or small details like ladybugs, butterflies, or even your initials. Once your flower rocks are complete, consider displaying them in a special corner of your garden, creating a whimsical path, or even gifting them to friends and family as a heartfelt handmade present. No matter how you use them, these colorful creations will undoubtedly bring joy and beauty to any space. So what do you say gardeners... grab your supplies, tune into Kelsey’s video, and get ready to transform ordinary rocks into extraordinary works of art! Happy crafting! Hey gardeners, did you make your own Colorful Flower Rocks? If so, congratulations, you can collect the ' Colorful Flower Rocks' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Get ready to add a pop of color to your garden with this therapeutic and relaxing Colorful Flower Rocks Craft. Watch Gardener Kelsey's new video now!

School Spotlight: West New York School District May/June 2024: A big thank you goes out to the West New York School District for hosting our assemblies in all seven of their elementary schools. It was an enriching experience to introduce the #PullYourWeeds® program at each school. West New York School District : 7 Schools - Over 3000 Students Gardener Anna & Gardener Shanna at West New York School No. 2 This marked our first collaboration with an urban school district of this scale, and it was truly remarkable to engage with over 3,000 students in the past six weeks. Each school exuded a unique sense of respect and pride, creating a wonderful atmosphere. Gardener Aidan & Gardener Shanna at West New York School No. 1 Special thanks to Nikki Casey, a dedicated social worker on the West New York Board of Education, for initiating this collaboration. Her enthusiasm and support were instrumental in the success of our program. West New York Early Childhood Program 5/30/24 We are grateful to all the administrators and educators who welcomed us warmly. The commitment and dedication of the social workers in nurturing the students at each school were truly impressive. West New York School No. 3 & No. 4 (incredible auditoriums) "The You Are a Gardener® presentation was fabulous! It focuses on such important topics related to feelings that everyone experiences, but is tailored to our young students so they can relate. I thought it was really great content that helps students think about their feelings and also what tools they can access when these situations come up for them. The length was appropriate for our little ones and they really enjoyed it! Shanna you were so kind and filled with such enthusiasm for this topic! I truly wish you much success in all future endeavors and hope you will return to our school district one day!"  ~Vivian Calunga, LSW WNY Early Childhood Program Social Worker West New York School No. 6 Harry L. Bain Having Gardener Anna and Gardener Aidan present at some of the assemblies added a special touch to the experience. It was heartwarming to witness their personal growth alongside the students, who connected with them in a meaningful way. Gardener Aidan at the West New York Elementary School No. 5 June 12, 2024 -Our Final Assembly in West New York & For the 23/24 School Year!- School Spotlight : West New York School District We wish all our new gardener friends in the West New York School District a joyful and relaxing summer...pull your weeds, plant new seeds & enjoy the flowers along the way!

Taking time out of a busy day for self-care is essential for gardeners of all ages for maintaining both our mental and physical well-being. It allows us to recharge, reflect, and rejuvenate, which can lead to increased productivity and a more positive outlook on life. Spreading Seeds of Self-Care™ and cultivating healthy practices such as meditation, exercise, or simply taking a few moments to relax can help reduce weeds (stress) and plant the seeds to help nurture positive growth in our gardens. Scroll down for our FREE Spreading Seeds of Self-Care™ Activity Kit & to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for these activities! By cultivating consistent Seeds of Self-Care, we invest in our mental, emotional, and physical health: Builds Resilience: When we learn to take time for ourselves, we develop resilience and the ability to handle stress more effectively. Enhances Focus: Taking time for ourselves allows gardeners of all ages to recharge, leading to better concentration and improved performance in school, work and other activities. Encourages Independence: Self-care fosters a sense of independence as we learn to manage our own time efficiently and make decisions that benefit our mental and emotional health. Boosts Confidence: Prioritizing our own needs helps build self-esteem and confidence, knowing we have the ability to take care of ourselves. Prevents Burnout: It helps prevent burnout by ensuring gardeners have regular breaks and downtime to relax and decompress. Encourages Healthy Habits: Instilling positive self-care habits early on encourages lifelong practices of balance and self-care. Improves Relationships: When gardeners are well-rested and emotionally balanced, we are more likely to have positive interactions with others. Promotes Emotional Awareness: It teaches gardeners of all ages to recognize and understand our own emotions, leading to better emotional regulation. Sets a Positive Example: By learning to take care of ourselves first, gardeners can set a positive example for our peers, promoting a culture of self-respect and well-being. Nurturing self-care routines not only benefits us individually but also enhances our relationships with others. When we are well-rested and emotionally balanced, we can offer more support, kindness, and patience to those around us. By making self-care a priority, we create a foundation for a healthier, happier life, and inspire others to do the same. Spreading seeds of self-care fosters resilience, enhances emotional intelligence, and helps maintain a balanced life, enabling you to be more present and effective in both personal and professional spheres. By making self-care a regular part of your routine, you invest in a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. By prioritizing self-care, we nurture our inner strength, allowing us to bloom into the best versions of ourselves. PRINT OUR SPREADING SEEDS OF SELF-CARE™ ACTIVITY KIT WITH FREE SEL PRINTABLES Hey gardeners, did you spread some seeds of self-care or do our Spreading Seeds of Self-Care activity sheets? If so, congratulations, you can collect the 'Seeds Of Self-Care Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Discover the power of 'Spreading Seeds of Self-Care™. Cultivate resilience, boost confidence, and improve relationships for a healthier, happier life. Download our free SEL Activity Kit to use at home, in school, or in a counseling session.

Spreading Seeds of Integrity : For a Brighter, More Compassionate World ~ When we dig into the definition of integrity, in short it is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. For gardeners of all ages, this can look like telling the truth, keeping promises, and being fair. It's about being honest and trustworthy in all situations, whether at home, school, or with friends. Having integrity means making choices that are good and kind, even if they are difficult. As gardeners, when we spread the seeds of integrity, we are essentially planting the seeds of honesty, responsibility, and ethical behavior. As these seeds grow, they bloom into gardeners who are not only trustworthy and reliable but also capable of inspiring and leading others with a strong moral compass. This positive change blossoms through communities, creating a more compassionate, calm and confident world. Scroll down to download our free Spreading Seeds of Integrity™ Activity Kit to use at home, in school or in a counseling session. Scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for these activities & exercises rooted in integrity! Integrity is at the root of any thriving community as it fosters trust and respect. When gardeners of all ages act with integrity, we build strong relationships based on mutual understanding and support. This, in turn, leads to collaborative efforts and a willingness to work together towards common goals. As gardeners, integrity is at the roots of our foundation because it helps to shape our character and, by extension, the culture of our society. By nurturing this value in ourselves and younger gardeners, we are not only investing in our personal development but also in the future of our world. A world where integrity prevails is one where inclusivity, fairness, and kindness thrive, paving the way for a brighter and more harmonious future for all gardeners. Here are some engaging activities that promote integrity in younger gardeners: Storytelling with a Moral Lesson: Gather younger gardeners for a storytelling session where each story conveys a lesson about honesty, fairness, or doing the right thing. After the story, have a discussion about the characters' actions and choices, encouraging the kids to share their thoughts on what integrity means to them. This not only enhances their understanding of moral values but also improves their listening and comprehension skills. Role-Playing Scenarios: Create different scenarios that gardeners might encounter in their daily lives, such as finding a lost item or witnessing a friend breaking a rule. Ask the children to act out what they would do in these situations, emphasizing the importance of honesty and making ethical decisions. Role-playing helps kids practice integrity in a safe and supportive environment, building their confidence to make the right choices in real life. Community Service Projects: Involve gardeners of all ages in community service activities, such as helping at a local food bank, participating in a neighborhood clean-up, or organizing a charity event. These projects teach the value of contributing to our community and the importance of selflessness and responsibility. Working together towards a common goal also fosters a sense of teamwork and empathy, reinforcing the principles of integrity through action. DOWNLOAD OUR FREE SEL SPREADING SEEDS OF INTEGRITY™ ACTIVITY KIT FOR YOUR HOME, SCHOOL OR OFFICE TODAY! Hey gardeners, did you do any of our Seeds of Integrity activity sheets and/or exercises? If so, congratulations, you can collect the 'Seeds of Integrity™' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Nurture integrity in young gardeners with our Spreading Seeds of Integrity™ Activity Kit. Featuring engaging activities, exercises, and FREE printables. Join us in Spreading Seeds of Integrity™ for a brighter, more compassionate world.

Today's School Spotlight shines on a special event where I had the pleasure of presenting the #PullYourWeeds® assembly at Francis A. Desmares Elementary School, my niece Amelia's school in Flemington, NJ. It was an honor to be part of this supportive school community nestled in a pastoral campus in Flemington. What made it even more memorable was having my sister, (Amelia's mom) attend her first in-person presentation. The warm welcome from Ariej, the head of the Desmares’ PTO, and the heartfelt introduction by Principal Mr. Masessa were extremely touching and I was grateful to be a guest in their beautiful school. Read more gardener reviews -Click Here "Yesterday, I had the absolute pleasure of attending Shanna Truffini's "You are a Gardener®, #PullYourWeeds®" assembly at Francis A. DesMarse school.  My daughter is a 4th grade student at the school, and the feedback that she and her fellow students had was truly remarkable.  Shanna has an impactful platform dedicated to using gardening metaphors which help children to identify their emotions and how to positively communicate and grow through them.  The You are A Gardener® assembly would be an asset to any school.  I highly recommend this program!" ~Kim C. Parent of Desmares School Community You Are a Gardener® at Francis A. Desmares Elementary Flemington, NJ 420 Students 5/20/24 The two consecutive assemblies had over 400 engaged students from grades K-4, and spotting Amelia's happy face in the crowd was truly heartwarming. I am extremely thankful to Desmares School's PTO for their support and to my sister and niece for this meaningful connection. Passionate educational institutions such as Desmares Elementary School radiate an atmosphere of care and encouragement, extending from the administration and faculty to the students. Thank you Desmares School...You are gardeners! Discover the heartwarming impact of the #PullYourWeeds® assembly at Francis A. Desmares Elementary in Flemington, NJ, in this School Spotlight blog post.