Gardening Fridays with Special Needs Students

The Homestead Campus Garden Club has partnered with Neva King Cooper in our local community to bring iCED's mission to life. Every other Friday throughout summer, we will be at the K-12 special needs school from 10am-12pm: May 9, 23 / June 6, 20, 27 / July 18 / Aug 1

The project includes maintaining: 

• A raised vegetable garden to teach K-12 children about self-reliance and nutrition. 
• An enclosed butterfly garden for sensory engagement and entomology education. 
• A composting bin for learning about sustainable practices, biological decomposition, and cyclical ecosystems. 

Why This Matters: Children with intellectual disabilities often face unique challenges, particularly in accessing hands-on, sensory-enriching activities. Research shows that sensory-friendly environments and outdoor activities significantly improve cognitive, emotional, and physical development. These outdoor spaces help special needs students: 

• Improve sensory integration and focus. 
• Build motor skills and develop confidence. 
• Reduce emotional stress, while increasing positive mood. 
• Experience the calming effects of nature. 

The gardens serve as a sanctuary for Neva King Cooper students, offering opportunities to learn practical life skills while fostering environmental stewardship.