Dr. Bumblebee’s Garden School: A Permaculture-Based Curriculum for Elementary Aged Kids

This curriculum was thoughtfully crafted to guide children and their parents on a journey of discovery through gardening, permaculture principles, foraging for wild edibles and crafting materials, and cultivating a deep sense of wonder in the natural world. Each week, we will dive into a single topic paired with a corresponding permaculture principle, providing a framework for hands-on learning. To bring these concepts to life, we’ve included several engaging activities for each week that illustrate the permaculture principle in action while expanding on the chosen topic. These activities are designed to be accessible yet adaptable, encouraging creativity and exploration for learners of all ages. At the heart of this course are two foundational learning components: the raised bed gardens, affectionately dubbed the Pizza Garden and the Tea Garden. These gardens serve as living classrooms where participants can observe, experiment, and grow alongside the plants. To fully engage with the curriculum, you’ll need to establish at least one of these gardens, requiring a modest 4 x 4 ft space–perfect for backyards, community plots, or even a sunny corner of a patio. While the Pizza Garden focuses on edible plants that could top a homemade pizza (think tomatoes, basil, and peppers), the Tea Garden nurtures herbs like chamomile, mint, and lemon balm for soothing brews. For those with additional space, we’ve included optional garden-based activities that expand the scope of learning, such as companion planting or creating a small compost system. Beyond the garden, every session incorporates a forest walk to connect participants with the broader ecosystem. The curriculum is designed with continuity in mind–some activities build progressively week after week, particularly those tied to the school garden, which acts as the keystone of the program. These sequential lessons deepen understanding and skills over time, so it’s best not to skip the core garden-related tasks. For example, planting seeds in week one leads to observing germination in week two, followed by tending seedlings in week three. To support reflection and record-keeping, we’ve included several worksheets throughout the program for kids to complete. These can be printed ahead of each session or copied by hand into a personal Garden Journal during class time. The Garden Journal is a core tool, required every week, where students can sketch plants, jot down observations, and track the growth of their garden beds. Writing and drawing materials–like pencils, crayons, or watercolor paints–should always be on hand to encourage artistic expression. For aspiring herbalists, we introduce the concept of a Materia Medica, a special record of plants and their uses. Older students might keep this as a separate journal, detailing medicinal or culinary properties of herbs, while younger learners can weave it into their Garden Journal with simple notes and drawings. Each week’s curriculum concludes with a curated list of suggested books, online resources, and additional reading materials to deepen exploration of the topic and permaculture principle. Worksheets follow these recommendations, offering a structured yet playful way to reinforce the week’s lessons. Importantly, this curriculum is free of tests or formal grading, emphasizing experiential learning over rigid assessment. Teachers or parents leading the group are trusted to adapt the pace and style to suit their students’ needs, blending “class time” with playtime as they see fit. Writing assignments, when included, are kept minimal and often optional, allowing for a fluid, student-centered teaching approach that prioritizes curiosity and connection over strict deadlines. Through this blend of structured gardening, freeform exploration, and reflective journaling, this curriculum invites families to grow not just plants, but a lifelong appreciation for the rhythms and resilience of the natural world.