Participants will explore the value of early STEM, gardening, movement, and local food experiences in early childhood settings and gain hands-on, creative strategies for bringing these concepts into everyday classroom activities through interactive plant science experiences, pollination activities, movement-based role-play, and engaging garden-inspired learning opportunities.

Educators and trainers will discover how gardening naturally supports STEM learning while also promoting physical activity, gross motor development, sensory exploration, and overall wellness through movement in the garden. Participants will learn practical ways to incorporate gardening into early care and education environments while integrating food and farming education, movement opportunities, and local food purchasing using the Alabama Foods from A to Z Toolkit.

This session will be provided at the Gulf Coast Early Childhood Summer Symposium.