Addressing the Growing Emotional Challenges in Elementary School Children Through Collaboration with Educators: Over the last four years there has been an increasing concern among the teachers, counselors, and educators we collaborate with the rise in negative feelings, emotions, and behaviors among elementary school children. Schools are observing a decline in empathy among children in various ways: Bullying behavior towards peers without consideration of their feelings or well-being. Increased incidents of conflicts and lack of understanding in resolving disputes peacefully. Self-centered attitudes where students prioritize their needs over others without showing compassion. Inability to recognize or respond to the emotions of their classmates or show concern for their struggles. Decreased participation in group projects or volunteering activities that promote empathy and compassion towards others. Schools are facing a rise in anxiety among children due to various factors in today's society: Increased academic pressure and expectations are contributing to higher stress levels in students. Social media and digital technology play a role in exacerbating feelings of anxiety and inadequacy among children. Issues such as bullying, peer pressure, and family dynamics also impact children's mental health and well-being. Lack of proper coping mechanisms "gardening tools' and support systems in schools can further escalate anxiety levels in students. Schools are witnessing a rise in unkind behavior among children today due to various factors: Influence of social media: Children are exposed to online platforms where cyberbullying and negativity are prevalent, impacting their behavior in real life. Lack of empathy: With the fast-paced lifestyle and emphasis on personal achievements, children may struggle to develop empathy and compassion towards their peers. Peer pressure: The need to fit in or conform to certain social norms can lead children to engage in unkind actions to gain acceptance from their peers. This shift in the emotional landscape of elementary school children has sparked a collective effort to better understand and address these challenges. Through collaboration and shared insights, educators are actively exploring innovative ways to support the well-being of their students. By fostering a nurturing and empathetic environment, educators are aiming to empower children to navigate their emotions and behaviors with resilience and self-awareness. As a result, our team has been working diligently to develop new strategies and resources to support these young gardeners, educators and families. By fostering a safe and nurturing environment, we aim to help children navigate their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms aka 'gardening tools'. Through our collaboration with teachers, counselors, and families, we are committed to promoting emotional well-being and resilience in gardeners of all ages. Our book, platform, and programs aim to empower children, families, and educators by providing valuable "gardening tools" and resources to sow seeds of kindness, empathy, resilience, confidence, and more. We consistently develop content to equip gardeners of all ages with coping mechanisms that they can utilize throughout their lives to navigate emotional challenges and transform them into opportunities for personal growth. Join us on our journey, stay updated on our #PullYourWeeds® Blog, subscribe to our Weeds to Seeds™ Newsletter, and encourage your schools to explore our school assemblies and workshops for teachers and families. Together, we can empower the next generation of gardeners to thrive and succeed in both their academic and personal lives. Discover our innovative strategies for addressing the growing emotional challenges in elementary schools. Learn how we are collaborating with educators to support children's well-being and plant seeds of emotional empowerment and resilience.

As gardeners, our mission is to spread seeds of kindness, especially in school. Young gardeners often look up to their peers for guidance on how to behave. Demonstrating kindness can inspire others to do the same and create a more positive school environment. By practicing kindness, gardeners learn to consider the feelings of others. This helps develop empathy and emotional intelligence, important skills for navigating social interactions both in school and later in life. By promoting kindness, children not only benefit those around them but also experience personal fulfillment and positivity in their own lives. Today we are sharing some helpful ways for young gardeners to spread kindness at school. Acts of kindness can help gardeners of all ages form strong bonds with their classmates. Being kind fosters trust and respect among peers, leading to a more supportive and inclusive school community. Ways For Gardeners To Spread Seeds Of Kindness At School: Compliment your classmates on their achievements. Offer to help (with a group activity, clean up, hold the door) Share your school supplies with those in need. Offer a kind word or compliment to someone who seems down. Include classmates who are left out during activities or games. Help pick up trash or clean up common areas without being asked. Volunteer to help a teacher with a task or project. Sit with someone new at lunch or invite them to join your group. Encourage and support classmates who are struggling academically or emotionally. Stand up against bullying or unfair treatment of others. Thank your school staff for their hard work and dedication. Model kindness and lead by example. You are a gardener...spread seeds of kindness! Lead by example and spread kindness at your school today & every day. Click here to read ways to spread seeds of kindness at home! Discover the power of spreading seeds of kindness at school! Learn how young gardeners can inspire a positive environment through acts of kindness and empathy. Join the #PullYourWeeds® Movement to Cultivate Resilience & Confidence For Gardeners Of All Ages You Are a Gardener® is more than just a children’s book,– it's a movement! Our aim is to equip children, families, and educators with helpful 'Gardening Tools' to stay grounded in confidence and calm. We invite you to join our community and discover the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Our #PullYourWeeds® Blog encourages gardeners of all ages to recognize their emotional challenges and transform them into seeds of strength, resilience, and personal growth. Rooted In: mindfulness activities, grounding techniques, crafts, recipes, breathing exercises, calming & coping skills, inspirational stories, confidence building exercises & more to use at home & in school!

Hello gardeners...Let’s celebrate leap year with our easy and fun origami frogs that actually leap! Origami is a wonderful art form and gardening tool that allows us to create beautiful designs through the simple craft of folding paper. In the spirit of leap year on 2/29/24, we are adding a playful twist by making origami frogs that can actually hop! These fun and easy-to-make frogs are not only a delightful way to celebrate the extra day in February but also a great activity to enjoy with friends and family at home & in school. So gardeners, gather your colorful origami paper, follow the folding instructions, and let's bring these leaping origami frogs to life! Scroll down for step-by-step instructions on how to make Leaping Origami Frogs & scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! << PRESS PLAY TO WATCH GARDENER AIDAN MAKE A LEAPING ORIGAMI FROG>> Engaging in the intricate art of origami has been proven to have a calming effect on both kids and adults. The process of folding paper into various shapes and designs requires focus and attention to detail, which can help gardeners of all ages recenter our thoughts and concentrate on the task at hand. This meditative quality of origami allows gardeners to let go of worries and weeds, promoting a sense of relaxation and inner peace. << Click The Image To Download The PDF Version Of Our Frog Origami Instructions >> Whether we are crafting a simple origami fox or a complex geometric figure, the rhythmic motions of folding and creasing can be a therapeutic experience for gardeners seeking a mindful ‘Gardening Tool’ to soothe the mind, nourish the soul and help turn your weeds into seeds. Hoppy Leap Year Gardeners! Hey gardeners, did you make our Origami Leaping Frogs to celebrate Leap Day 2/29/24? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the ' Origami Leaping Frogs ' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet! Join the #PullYourWeeds® Movement to Cultivate Resilience & Confidence For Gardeners Of All Ages You Are a Gardener® is more than just a children’s book,– it's a movement! Our aim is to equip children, families, and educators with helpful 'Gardening Tools' to stay grounded in confidence and calm. We invite you to join our community and discover the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Our #PullYourWeeds® Blog encourages gardeners of all ages to recognize their emotional challenges and transform them into seeds of strength, resilience, and personal growth. Rooted In: mindfulness activities, grounding techniques, crafts, recipes, breathing exercises, calming & coping skills, inspirational stories, confidence building exercises & more to use at home & in school! Get ready to celebrate leap year with our easy origami leaping frogs! Join us in creating these fun and playful creatures that actually leap.

Hello gardeners! In a leap year, we are gifted with an extra day, a bonus opportunity to make our dreams come true. As gardeners, this is a special time to set ambitious goals, take bold risks, and sow the seeds of our future success. Just like the rare occurrence of a leap year, let's make our efforts extraordinary this Leap Day and take some leaps. Today we are are sharing 3 no-prep, free printables to download for your family to use at home or to use in the classroom with your students. These free & fun activity sheets highlight facts about Leap Year, ways to celebrate Leap Day, a gardener inspired crossword puzzle and a hoppy, little coloring sheet. Click on the activity sheets to download your free, no-prep prinatbles for this Leap Year, 2/29/24! What are you waiting for gardeners? Take a Leap into our activity sheets today! << CLICK ON THE IMAGES ABOVE TO DOWNLOAD OUR PDF LEAP YEAR ACTIVITY SHEETS >> Get ready to leap into fun with our free Leap Year activity sheets! Download 3 no-prep printables for a hoppy Leap Day celebration at home or in the classroom. << CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OUR PDF LEAP YEAR ACTIVITY SHEETS >> Hey gardeners, did you use our Leap Into A Leap Year Activity Sheets to celebrate Leap Day 2/29/24? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the ' Leap Into A Leap Year ' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Join the #PullYourWeeds® Movement to Cultivate Resilience & Confidence For Gardeners Of All Ages You Are a Gardener® is more than just a children’s book,– it's a movement! Our aim is to equip children, families, and educators with helpful 'Gardening Tools' to stay grounded in confidence and calm. We invite you to join our community and discover the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Our #PullYourWeeds® Blog encourages gardeners of all ages to recognize their emotional challenges and transform them into seeds of strength, resilience, and personal growth. Rooted In: mindfulness activities, grounding techniques, crafts, recipes, breathing exercises, calming & coping skills, inspirational stories, confidence building exercises & more to use at home & in school!

Hello gardeners! Taking things personally can often lead to unnecessary weeds aka stress and negative emotions. When we internalize negative comments or actions directed towards us, we give away our power and allow others to dictate how we feel about ourselves. Teaching young gardeners not to take things personally is extremely important for their emotional well-being and growth and plants the seeds of empathy. When children (and gardeners of all ages) understand that the opinions and actions of others do not define us, we can develop a strong sense of self-confidence and self-worth. It's important to remember gardeners that other people's words and behaviors are often more a reflection of their own thoughts and experiences rather than a true reflection of who we are. By not taking things personally, we can maintain a sense of inner peace and self-confidence, recognizing that our worth is not determined by the opinions of others. Instead, we can choose to focus on our own growth, well-being, and how we respond to different situations with grace and resilience. Today gardeners we are sharing with you 6 strategies to help you not take things personally. Scroll down for our tips & scroll all the way down to collect your 'Gardening Tool Badge" for this exercise. Tips to help you not take things personally: Remember that everyone has their own perspective and experiences that shape how they see the world. It's not always about you. Practice self-compassion and remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Focus on building your self-esteem and confidence so that you're less affected by what others say or do. Talk to a trusted source (parent, teacher, counselor, family member, friend) about how you're feeling and get their perspective on the situation & always keep your line of communication open. Try to see the bigger picture and understand that people's actions are often more about them than about you. Take a deep breath and count to ten before reacting to something that feels personal. This can help you respond more calmly and thoughtfully. Remember gardeners, the opinions of others does not define our worth. It's important to focus on being true to ourselves and not let other's judgments affect us. Let's embrace our uniqueness and individuality, and remember that self-love and self-acceptance are the key to feeling confident and happy in our own skin. We need to stay rooted in who we are and keep shining our light brightly for all the world to see. We are gardeners! Hey gardeners, did you practice our 6 Don't Take It Personally strategies?? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the ' Don't Take It Personally ' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Learn 6 strategies to not take things personally and cultivate emotional well-being. Develop self-confidence, resilience, and grace with our helpful tips.

School Spotlight: Spreading Seeds in Washington Township School District: Last week, we had the wonderful opportunity to introduce our #PullYourWeeds® Assembly to the elementary schools in Washington Township, spanning from Kindergarten to 6th grade. We were genuinely touched by the warm reception and the friendly staff at the three different program venues. The community's kind and supportive atmosphere truly reflected in their fantastic students, who were a joy to engage with. The students showed remarkable enthusiasm and participation throughout the sessions. It's truly an honor to witness how well the program resonates across different age groups. "We absolutely loved your presentation yesterday! I got some unsolicited feedback from a few colleagues, and they were very impressed! We are so happy to have you working with us this year!" ~Stacie Paruta , Special Education Teacher-Washington Township School District We are confident that every student (and staff member) in the Washington Township school district now understands the significance of the words flowers, weeds, and seeds, and the importance of navigating challenges with a calm, confident mindset. We are eagerly anticipating our Gardener Culmination Celebration Assembly with the students in April. Additionally, we have collaborated closely with the district's SEL team and introduced our #PullYourWeeds® Classroom Edition for staff to implement in their classrooms, ensuring the program's continuity. This SEL program offers easy access to a variety of activities, exercises, visual aids, morning meeting topics, classroom games, activity sheets, all centered around the empowering You Are a Gardener mindset. By engaging with the staff, we aim to empower students to embrace this mindset wholeheartedly. We are also excited about our upcoming presentation to families next month at the district's Family SEL event to keep it growing at home. Stay tuned to our #PullYourWeeds® Blog for more highlights on the Washington Township school District! --> Is your school ready to dig into our assemblies, SEL programs and family workshops? Send us an email today at flowers@youareagardener.com

Switching on healthy 'gardening tools' aka coping skills, when we are feeling stressed or stuck in the weeds is so important for our emotional well-being. At times it can be overwhelming to find the right 'gardening tools' to help ourselves feel calm and re-centered. By introducing children and ourselves to healthy coping mechanisms early on, we are setting ourselves up for success in navigating life's everyday challenges. At times, we may feel overwhelmed and turn to unhealthy "gardening tools" to cope. As gardeners, it's important for us to have our healthy "gardening tools" ready for when we need them the most. This enables us to activate the tools that support our growth and deactivate those that hinder it. By providing children and gardeners of all ages with a diverse range of gardening tools, we empower ourselves to make positive choices and build resilience for the future. When we feel overwhelmed, it's easy to reach for quick fixes and choose unhealthy 'gardening tools' that may not serve us in the long run. Instead, taking the time to explore and identify healthy gardening tools is key. It might require some searching to discover the proper tools that work best. These tools can come in many forms, such as practicing mindfulness, seeking support from loved ones, engaging in creative outlets, or even simply taking a moment to breathe deeply. Here are some healthy Gardening Tools to switch on when we are feeling stressed: Practice deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing can help calm our mind and body, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Engage in physical activity: Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Whether it's going for a run, practicing yoga, or taking a walk, physical activity can help reduce stress levels. Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide our body with the nutrients it needs to cope with stress. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress levels. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help our body recharge and better deal with stress. Practice mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness techniques and meditation can help us stay present and focused, reducing anxiety and stress. Seek social support: Talking to friends, family, or a therapist can provide us with emotional support and different perspectives on our stressors. Engage in hobbies: Doing activities we enjoy, whether it's painting, playing music, or gardening, can help take our mind off our weeds and help cultivate more joy into our life. Set boundaries: Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that seem overwhelming. Setting boundaries can help reduce stress and prevent burnout. Use our Top 10 Gardening Tools Activity Sheet to help you switch on your favorite, go-to Gardening Tools when you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed or need to refocus. Click on the image to download your free printable. << Download Our Top 10 Gardening Tools Activity Sheets Today-Click Here>> By nurturing a treasure trove of healthy 'gardening tools' in our 'gardening toolbox', we equip ourselves to navigate challenges with resilience and grace. Cultivating these tools allows us to flourish and bloom even when we are stuck in the weeds. Hey gardeners, did you fill out your own Top 10 Gardening Tools Activity Sheet to help you 'Switch On' healthy gardening tools? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the ' Switch On Your Tools ' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Discover the power of healthy coping skills with our guide to 'Switch On Healthy Coping Skills'. Cultivate resilience and well-being with these essential tools.

Indulge in a delightful Valentine's Day snack with an easy and fun Sweet Pretzel Treat recipe. Today, Gardener Kelsey is showing us how to create this sweet, simple and delightful snack for Valentine's Day. This recipe is enjoyable for gardeners of all ages and requires only a few ingredients: pretzels, melting chocolate, and chocolate-coated Valentine candy. This recipe is perfect for gardeners of all ages and sure to sweeten your day! << PRESS PLAY TO WATCH GARDENER KELSEY'S BRAND NEW VIDEO >> Here's how to make our Sweet Pretzel Treat: Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place pretzels on the sheet and add a dollop of melting chocolate on each one. Bake in a 200-degree oven for approximately 2 minutes until the chocolate begins to melt. Remove from the oven and decorate with the Valentine candy. Gardener Kelsey crafted a lovely flower-shaped design but have fun with your creations! Gardener's Tip: This sweet pretzel treat would be fun to bring to a Valentine's Day party or to give out as gifts! Hey gardeners, did you make our Sweet Pretzel Treat for Valentine's Day? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the ' Sweet Valentine's Treat ' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet

Hello gardeners! Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it's a wonderful reminder to love ourselves and plant the seeds of self-love! Prioritizing self-love not only improves our emotional well-being, but it also models healthy behavior for younger gardeners and our loved ones. So gardeners, this Valentine's Day, let's celebrate the love we have for ourselves and continue to practice self-love every day. Scroll down for your free printable of our Self-Love Flash Cards & scroll all the way down to collect your gardening tool badge for this exercise! Self-love flashcards are an enjoyable 'gardening tool' to promote self-love both at home and in school. These cards can be utilized individually or in a group setting. Simply select as many flashcards as you wish and read them aloud. This activity can also be beneficial when done while looking in the mirror. Self-love flashcards are a versatile gardening tool that can be used in various settings to foster self-love and positivity. They offer a fun and interactive way to engage with affirmations and uplifting messages. Using these flashcards can be a personal practice or incorporated into group activities for added support and encouragement. Reading the flashcards aloud helps reinforce positive self-talk and affirmations. One effective way to enhance the experience is by incorporating mirror work, where individuals read the cards while looking at themselves in the mirror. This exercise can boost self-confidence, improve self-esteem, and cultivate a more positive self-image. By integrating self-love flashcards into daily routines, gardeners of all ages can nurture a healthier relationship with ourselves and promote overall well-being. Gardener's Tip: Try using our Self-Love flash cards when you are feeling caught up in the weeds and trying to re-direct your thoughts back to your flowers. Self-love and positive affirmations can help calm the mind and give your self-confidence a boost. << CLICK ABOVE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FLASH CARDS >> Hey gardeners, did you use our Seeds of Self-Love Flashcards? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the ' Seeds of Self-Love ' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Join the #PullYourWeeds® Movement to Cultivate Resilience & Confidence You Are a Gardener® is more than just a children’s book,– it's a movement! Our aim is to equip children, families, and educators with helpful 'Gardening Tools' to stay grounded in confidence and calm. We invite you to join our community and discover the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Our #PullYourWeeds® Blog encourages gardeners of all ages to recognize their emotional challenges and transform them into seeds of strength, resilience, and personal growth. Celebrate Valentine's Day by planting the seeds of self-love with fun and interactive self-love flashcards. Nurture a healthier relationship with yourself!

Teaching gardeners how to spread kindness at a young age can have a profound impact on their lives and those around them. Not only does it create a more positive and compassionate environment, but it also helps children develop important social and emotional skills. Learning to be kind and empathetic towards others can improve relationships with peers, teachers, and family members. It can also boost self-esteem and reduce stress and anxiety (aka your weeds). Here are some ideas for young gardeners to spread seeds of kindness at home: Help with household chores without being asked. This can include things like washing the dishes, folding laundry, or sweeping the floors. Write a kind note or draw a picture for a family member and leave it somewhere they will find it, like on their pillow or in their lunchbox. Offer to help a younger sibling with their homework or reading. Make a special treat, like cookies or brownies, for the family to enjoy. Take the initiative to plan a family game night or movie night. Offer to walk the dog or take care of a pet for a day. Compliment a family member on something they did well, like a good grade on a test or a job well done at work. Practice active listening by giving full attention when a family member is speaking, and responding with empathy and understanding. Cultivating kindness in children also helps them learn about inclusivity. They learn to appreciate differences and treat others with respect. This creates a sense of unity and belonging. Incorporating kindness into a gardeners daily routine can be as simple as encouraging them to say "please" and "thank you", or helping a friend in need. Parents and teachers can also model kindness through their own actions and words. By teaching gardeners the value of kindness early on, we can help them become more compassionate, understanding, and empathetic individuals who will help plant seeds for a bright, kind, inclusive future. Spreading Seeds of Kindness at Home: Discover how to cultivate kindness in young gardeners at home. Learn the impact of spreading seeds of kindness and fostering empathy from an early age.

Introducing Follow The Flower: Our New Breathing Exercise Gardening Tool Take a deep breath and try out our new 'gardening tool', Follow The Flower. Simply inhale as the flower goes up, hold your breath when it reaches the top, exhale as it goes down, and hold again before it hits the bottom. This 40 second exercise is great for gardeners of all ages, and helps us to recenter and refocus. Follow The Flower is a helpful 'gardening tool' to help take your mind off your weeds, as a class exercise before or after a test, at home before bed, or after finishing homework. The beauty of breathing exercises is that they can be done anywhere, anytime. << PRESS PLAY TO ENJOY OUR FOLLOW THE FLOWER BREATHING EXERCISE >> Taking a few minutes to focus on breathing can help to decrease stress, anxiety, and promote a sense of calm. It's important to teach children from a young age that they have the power to control their emotions through their breath. By incorporating fun exercises like our Follow The Flower Breathing Exercise, it can make the practice more enjoyable and easier to remember. By practicing breathing exercises regularly, it can also help to improve overall respiratory health and increase lung capacity. So take a moment to stop, breathe, and follow the flower. Hey gardeners, did you try our Follow The Flower breathing exercise? If so, congratulations, you just earned yourself the 'Follow The Flower ' Gardening Tool Badge'! --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Join the #PullYourWeeds® Movement to Cultivate Resilience & Confidence You Are a Gardener® is more than just a children’s book,– it's a movement! Our aim is to equip children, families, and educators with helpful 'Gardening Tools' to stay grounded in confidence and calm. We invite you to join our community and discover the transformative power of turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Our #PullYourWeeds® Blog encourages gardeners of all ages to recognize their emotional challenges and transform them into seeds of strength, resilience, and personal growth. Unwind and refocus with Follow The Flower: Our New Breathing Exercise. Perfect for all ages, this 40-second gardening tool promotes calm and stress relief.

Discover the TOP 10 Reasons to Purchase a Copy of You Are a Gardener®! A powerful tool for emotional intelligence and resilience, perfect for gardeners of all ages. Our children's book "You Are a Gardener®" is more than a book, it's a tool that helps gardeners of all ages to understand and cope with their emotions in a healthy and positive way. Here are the top 10 reasons to purchase a copy of our book: It's a fun & engaging way to learn about emotions and how to ‘grow through what you go through’. The gardening vocabulary used as emotional metaphors makes it easy to understand and embrace. It cultivates emotional intelligence and resilience. It's great for children and adults who struggle with expressing their emotions. It teaches valuable life skills that can be applied in all areas of life. It's a great tool for parents, teachers, and counselors to use in their work with children. It encourages self-love, self-respect & self-confidence. It's beautifully illustrated (all illustrations are watercolors on paper). It promotes healthy ‘gardening tools’ as coping strategies. It makes a great gift for children and adults alike. Purchase a copy of "You Are a Gardener®" today and dig into your journey towards emotional well-being and resilience!