Adapting to the pandemic is tough all around, especially for frustrated parents trying to homeschool their children through the crisis, but teaching at home comes a little easier with the assistance of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR).
The Department of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) program has developed a series of online guided gardening lessons that both parents and keiki can enjoy. Dubbed a homeschool edition of the HDFS’ Home Garden Network (HGN), the videos use activities—conducted by parents—that teach and demonstrate to their keiki the basic concept and understanding of seeds.
Since most parents need simple guidance to teach their kids, HDFS interns Tiana Brennan and Jarett Shiu have incorporated helpful print and online tools aimed at adults.
“HDFS faculty Lynn Yamashita has worked tirelessly to locate intern placement, and our interns have been so helpful, competent and passionate in our home gardening activities,” said Assistant Professor Sothy Eng. “I am so fortunate to be able to work with and learn from the interns, their strengths and expertise in family and community development in Hawaiʻi.”
HGN started in fall 2018 with four Oʻahu families and has since expanded. The network was developed to inspire and educate Hawaiʻi families to start their own edible home gardens. Through gardening activities, the participating families are growing, learning and healing together. For more information, visit Eat Your Own Plants.
Read the full story at CTAHR’s website.
