DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET with disabilities or to those who are just learning the common language of their school. A good teacher can find ways to include everyone. Gardens are beautiful. In recent years, many teachers have begun to rec- ognize that institutional-style buildings and classrooms lack the aesthetic qualities that are necessary to foster a deep appreciation of life in children. The Reggio Emilia approach, which emphasizes the relationship between the children and their environment, calling the environment the third teacher, has been instrumental in this new awareness. Adding a garden softens the outdoor classroom area and adds a focal point that changes the quality of the playground experience. By bringing flowers or foliage cuttings from the garden inside, children and teachers can do the same for the indoor classroom. Some plants can be grown indoors as well. Anyone who enjoys gardening knows the sense of calm that comes from handling soil, tucking seedlings tenderly away, watching the plants and ani- mals that inhabit the garden. The garden demands that people wait. Plants grow at their own pace. The garden gives children opportunities to slow down and take time to explore in detail. Children who observe closely will notice small changes from day to day, large changes from week to week. They learn the need for patience and careful observation. They begin to nurture. With gardening, teachers can create private spaces for children. Much has been written about the need for children who are in group programs for much of the day to have some privacy. In fact, while teachers occasionally take breaks, children are usually not allowed to leave the classroom. They are often expected to remain with a large group of people for nine hours a day, or even longer. As adults, we know the importance of building in time to be alone, to think, to observe from a distance. Garden spaces can give children an oppor- tunity for privacy or alone time. Teachers can build a special structure, such as a trellis house, with this end in mind, or design the garden so that small, 6  •  Chapter 1 COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL