Planting Seeds of Peace: A Journey with Montessori Educators at Chestnut Hill College: Earlier this fall, I had the honor of presenting to students in the Montessori Education for Peace Course at Chestnut Hill College, led by the dedicated Montessori Educator, Carissa Swiss, who serves as Assistant Professor, Director, and Discipline Chair of Montessori. Carissa and I first connected at the NJMAC conference last year, where we quickly discovered a genuine bond as like-minded ‘gardeners’ committed to spreading seeds of peace, love, kindness, and respect within our communities. During my one-hour presentation to Carissa and her students, I discussed the roots of our You Are a Gardener® book, platform, and educational programs. I also had the chance to share my personal journey and vision for the future of the company. Interacting with a group of passionate Montessori educators was a heartwarming reminder of the vital role these dedicated individuals play as positive change-makers for their students. As Anna and Aidan were also Montessori students, our family holds deep respect and appreciation for the educational system established by Maria Montessori. This experience was truly humbling, and I am immensely grateful for it. The encouraging feedback from Carissa and her students reaffirms our connection to spread seeds of positive change in the world. Thank you, Carissa and the students at Chestnut Hill College, for this wonderful opportunity; I can’t wait to see where it grows! "I met Shanna at an NJMAC (NJ Montessori Association Corporation) Conference, read her book, heard her story, and knew this needed to be shared with my adult learners in my Montessori Education for Peace course. Being a gardener was emphasized in my Montessori elementary training by Dr. Paul Czaja. He shared a personal story from his childhood where he learned to make a Victory Garden with his mother and grandmother. He learned so much from his family and the experience, and it aligns so well with You Are a Gardener. I wish he were alive to read Shanna's book. It is important to cultivate peace and kindness with children of all ages. I think Shanna has found her Cosmic Task. We are all gardeners! #pullyourweeds" ~Carissa Swiss Assistant Professor, Director and Discipline Chair Chestnut Hill College "I am so grateful that Shanna came to speak to our class of adult learners and tell her story. It was inspiring getting to hear the journey that brought her to write such a phenomenal book.  As a fourth year assistant teacher in a Montessori classroom I thought I had a well stocked library of books that dealt with emotions and feelings. I am so surprised that this book was new to me! You Are a Gardener is an amazing resource that I am excited to add to my library. " ~Samantha F. Student, Chestnut Hill College "I am a second-year Assistant Teacher at a Montessori Preschool. I recently decided to re-enroll in an undergraduate program to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with Montessori Credentials. Being in this program, I am taking a Montessori Education and Peace class. This is where I was introduced to You Are A Gardener! Shanna was our guest speaker one evening, and I really enjoyed her presentation! Social Emotional Learning is not only a critical component of our daily lives, but of those who are just learning to navigate their toddler world. Her tools on the website have even given me ideas to use with the children in my classroom as well as the children I nanny for. I can’t wait to start the Pine Cone Painting with my Nanny Kids! I have even shared the website with my school principal and director of education in hopes of bringing an assembly to our school! I have signed up for the newsletters and look forward to seeing more useful content. Thank you, Shanna, for your devotion to SEL!" ~ Dominique Student, Chestnut Hill College "What a wonderful presentation! I could feel your passion and drive to create a beautiful world of emotionally regulated beings. Maria Montessori would say you are pursuing your Cosmic Task. I read your book prior so my opinion may be bias, but I could easily understand exactly what your message was and why you are spreading this light around the world" ~ Student, Chestnut Hill College "It was an amazing opportunity to meet Shanna Truffini in our Montessori for Peace class throughout Chestnut Hill College. Shanna has a beautiful story behind the creation of her book “You Are a Gardener”. The lovely illustrations and the easy way that she talks about emotions brought me peace and wonder to spread her book to children, friends, families, and schools. Thank you Shanna! #PullYourWeeds." ~ Student, Chestnut Hill College "I felt a deep connection to the story of how You Are a Gardener was created as a way to help Shanna’s daughter heal from ailments of PTSD. Seeing how a personal journey can transform into a powerful tool for others was incredibly exciting. Her determination to nurture her daughter's emotional well-being resonated with me, especially as I navigate my path of healing from C-PTSD (among other mental health illnesses I have). Much like Shanna, I believe in tending to our emotional gardens. The idea of "daily watering" through positive affirmations and emotional regulation techniques speaks to me because it reflects the small yet significant steps we can take each day to cultivate resilience. I want to create a supportive space where people can feel empowered to grow, just as Shanna has done for her daughter and countless others through her workshops, website and interactions." ~Erin S. ~ Student, Chestnut Hill College "I am currently in my final year of the graduate program at Chestnut Hill College, pursuing my Master's in Early Childhood Education, as well as obtaining my Montessori Credential. I have just completed the Montessori Education for Peace course, and we often had guest speakers for some of our sessions. The last speaker we had was Shanna Truffini, and she is the author of “You Are a Gardener.” This children’s book was a read that I personally appreciated and gained much insight from as an adult. I was excited to introduce this text to my five-year-old son, as well as the classroom I am doing my internship in this school year. This book provides language by giving children the analogy of comparing their feelings to the gardening process. The idea of flowers representing positive feelings, thoughts, and emotions, while the weeds represent the opposite, and learning to “pull your weeds” with gardening tools to cope, work through, and help. I believe using the book in the early stages of a child’s development could truly enrich the emotional and relational intelligence of the child. I enjoyed listening to Shanna share her origin story, helping us to understand exactly why she is so passionate about spreading this message. Her website is also user-friendly and provides further resources that go along with the theme of the book. I would like to thank Shanna for sharing with our class and hope that she can continue to share her message and literature all around the world!" ~Lauren M. ~ Student, Chestnut Hill College << READ RECENT REVIEWS HERE >> If you’re in search of an inspiring speaker for your upcoming conference, workshop, or college event, consider inviting Emotional Empowerment Advocate, Shanna Truffini. With a proven history of engaging presentations, Shanna offers a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm for emotional empowerment and educational innovation. Her dynamic style captivates audiences of all ages, sparking a desire to foster positive change and spread seeds of emotional resilience. Whether she’s discussing her You Are a Gardener® book and mindset, or sharing insights from her successful #PullYourWeeds® Program, Shanna’s presentations are customized to inspire and provide attendees with practical 'gardening tools' for positive personal and community development. Don't miss the opportunity to motivate and uplift your audience with Shanna's impactful message. Email flowers@youareagardener.com  for more information. Discover the inspiring journey of planting seeds of peace with Montessori educators at Chestnut Hill College. Join Shanna Truffini's mission for positive change.

Hello, gardeners! November is a wonderful month for expressing gratitude and giving thanks. Did you know that gratitude is one of our favorite daily go-to “gardening tools” ? It allows us to shift our focus from the weeds (stress) to the flowers (our joy). By practicing gratitude, we keep our thoughts rooted in appreciation and thankfulness. When we embrace gratitude, we guide our minds away from our weeds to better appreciate our flowers. Today, we’re excited to share a delightful gratitude activity called " Gratitude from A to Z ." In this activity, you can list all the people, things, and places you appreciate, corresponding to each letter of the alphabet. This is a fantastic exercise to enjoy at home, in school, with family, or as a group. Scroll down to download the free printable & collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Don't have a Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet? Click here to download a new one today! Whether crafting this gratitude list independently or with others, this activity is a wonderful way to reflect on the abundance of positivity in our lives. Each letter invites us to pause and appreciate the simple joys and profound blessings that often go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Check out Gardener Shanna's Gratitude From A to Z List! Hey gardeners, we would love to see your list! Send us an email to flowers@youareagardener.com Engaging in this practice not only boosts our mood but also strengthens our emotional resilience by focusing on what truly matters. It's a gentle reminder that even amidst challenges, there's always something to be thankful for. So grab a pen gardeners and let your gratitude flow from A to Z.  Let's cultivate a mindset where gratitude blooms daily, enriching our lives and those around us. Happy gardening! 🌼 Hey gardeners, did you do our Gratiutude From A-Z activity? If so, congratulations, you can collect the "Gratiutude From A-Z" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Cultivate joy with 'Gratitude From A to Z'! Explore the power of thankfulness and appreciation in our lives, with a delightful gardening activity with a free printable!

Hello gardeners! Today, we’re excited to explore a delicious and comforting one-pan meal that the entire family will love. This recipe is perfect for getting everyone involved in the kitchen, making it a fun and enjoyable cooking experience. We adore one-pan meals not only for their simplicity but also because they include everything necessary for a nutritious dinner—all in one dish: protein, dairy, and vegetables. Let's dig into our Chicken Pot Pie Cobbler, scroll down to get the recipe and scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Chicken Pot Pie Cobbler Ingredients: 1/4 cup melted butter 4-5 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken recommended) 1 bag frozen peas and carrots Onion powder, to taste Garlic powder, to taste Pepper, to taste 2 cups chicken broth 1 can cream of chicken soup 2 cups buttermilk or regular milk 1 box biscuit mix 3/4 cup cheddar cheese Optional: Seasoning packet (if included with biscuit mix) Preheat your oven to 350°F. Begin by adding 1/4 cup of melted butter to a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Next, layer 4-5 cups of shredded chicken at the bottom (using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut). Incorporate 1 bag of frozen peas and carrots (keep them frozen). Sprinkle onion and garlic powder on top. Add a dash of pepper. In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 can of cream of chicken soup, then pour this mixture over the casserole without stirring. In another bowl, combine 2 cups of buttermilk (or regular milk) with 1 box of biscuit mix and 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well and pour evenly over the casserole, again without stirring. If your biscuit mix comes with seasoning, add half of the packet to the mixture and save the other half for later. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes. Once done, brush the top of the casserole with 1/4 cup of melted butter and any remaining seasoning you saved. Serves 8 PRESS PLAY TO WATCH A BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE GARDENER'S KITCHEN MAKING OUR CHICKEN POT PIE COBBLER RECIPE! This Chicken Pot Pie Cobbler is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to bring the family together for some quality time in the kitchen. Cooking together is a fantastic opportunity to teach valuable kitchen skills, share family stories, and create lasting memories. While you enjoy this hearty dish, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or a warm bowl of soup to complete your meal. And remember gardeners, the kitchen is a place of creativity and experimentation, so feel free to add your own twist to this recipe. Perhaps a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up? Gather around the table, savor the flavors, and celebrate the small joys of life with your loved ones. Happy cooking, gardeners! 🌿 Hey gardeners, did you make our tasty Chicken Pot Pie Cobbler? If so, congratulations, you can collect the "Chicken Pot Pie Cobbler" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Shee t Indulge in a delightful kitchen adventure with our Chicken Pot Pie Cobbler recipe! Perfect for family fun and a delicious dinner all in one dish.

Happy World Kindness Day, gardeners! Our kindness is needed now more than ever. Let’s get out there and spread some seeds of compassion, understanding, love, and joy. Every small act of kindness can make a big difference, creating ripples of positivity that reach far beyond our immediate circles. Let's celebrate this day by embracing the power of kindness in all its forms. Remember that kindness is a seed that, once planted, can grow and flourish in the most beautiful ways. Together, we can cultivate a garden of goodwill that nurtures us all. Happy planting, gardeners, and may your acts of kindness bloom with abundance today and always! CHECK OUT WAYS TO SPREAD SEEDS OF KINDNESS AT HOME , SCHOOL AND IN YOUR COMMUNITY! SPREAD SEEDS OF KINDNESS BY PURCHASING A COPY OF OUR BOOK YOU ARE A GARDENER® Celebrate Happy World Kindness Day with us by spreading seeds of compassion, love, and joy. Embrace the power of kindness and let it bloom in beautiful ways!

Dear Gardeners,   Regardless of who you're voting for, or who ultimately wins, our collective vote is a call to spread more seeds of kindness, love, and respect within ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world.   Positive progress takes root when we remain connected, confident, curious, and calm. It flourishes when we respectfully agree to disagree and collaborate toward peaceful, promising solutions.   We need to unite in demonstrating to our younger generation that we are all in this together. As gardeners, we possess the power to spread the seeds for positive change. We embody the transformation we wish to see in the world. The most significant vote we can cast is for ourselves.   Let’s bridge the divide together, honoring each other's beliefs and recognizing that our choices stem from our unique life experiences.   Let’s vote for ourselves to cultivate a new generation of emotionally empowered gardeners who unite to plant seeds of hope, gratitude, kindness, respect, love, inclusivity, and integrity— ensuring that we all triumph together.   Then and only then, we can all win.  , Shanna Truffini   You Are a Gardener® www.youareagardener.com

Lickety Split Gardening Tools - Reduce Your stress in 60 Seconds Or Less Hello, gardeners! As we tend to our gardens on a daily basis, it can often be challenging to recognize the ‘weeds’ (stress) that pop up and creep in. That’s why it’s essential for us to build on our gardening toolboxes with a variety of ‘gardening tools’ to face these weeds (challenges) with a calm, clear, and confident mindset. While having meaningful conversations with trusted sources is one of the most effective ‘gardening tools’ we possess, there are times when we must wait for the right moment—whether it’s talking to family after school, finding an appropriate time to speak with a teacher, or waiting for a scheduled appointment with a professional. Scroll down to download the FREE printable version of our Lickety Split Gardening Tools Poster to display in your home, classroom or office! This powerful visual aid is a wonderful reminder to help gardeners stay rooted in a calm and confident mindset! That's why today gardeners, we're thrilled to present our go-to gardening tools (coping strategies) that can help reduce your stress in 60 seconds or less…lickety split! Lickety Split Gardening Tools To Help Pull Your Weeds (Reduce Your Stress) In 60 Seconds Or Less Smile for 60 seconds -Smiling for 60 seconds can help reduce stress by triggering the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that promote feelings of happiness and relaxation. Additionally, the physical act of smiling can send signals to your brain that encourage a more positive mindset, helping to alleviate tension and stress. Think of things you are grateful for for 1 minute -Taking a moment to focus on gratitude helps shift your mindset from our weeds (stress) to our flowers (appreciation), promoting feelings of positivity and calm. This simple practice can quickly reduce stress by reminding us of the abundance in our life, fostering a sense of peace and well-being. Doodle or draw for 60 seconds - Doodling for 60 seconds can help ‘pull your weeds’ (reduce stress) by allowing our minds to relax and focus on a simple, creative task. This brief activity encourages self-expression and can serve as a calming distraction, helping to release tension and promote a sense of mindfulness. Do jumping jacks for 60 seconds -Performing jumping jacks for 60 seconds can significantly help reduce stress by boosting endorphin levels, which enhances mood and promotes relaxation. Additionally, this physical activity provides a quick and effective way to release pent-up energy, helping to clear our minds and improve overall mental well-being. Listen to your favorite song -Listening to your favorite song can help reduce stress by providing a comforting and familiar escape, allowing your mind to relax and focus on the soothing melodies. Music has the power to elevate mood and trigger positive emotions, offering a much-needed break from our weeds and promoting overall well-being. Write down any words that come to mind in 60 seconds -Writing down all the words that come to mind in 60 seconds can help reduce stress by providing a quick mental release, allowing gardeners to express and declutter negative thoughts. This exercise encourages mindfulness and can bring clarity, leaving us feeling more relaxed and focused. Take deep breaths for 60 seconds- Deep breathing exercises for 60 seconds can quickly reduce stress by calming the nervous system, promoting relaxation, and increasing oxygen flow to the brain, which helps to clear the mind and alleviate tension. This simple practice can be a powerful ‘gardening tool’ for regaining a sense of calm and control when our weeds are overwhelming. Drink a glass of cold water- Drinking a glass of water can help redirect negative thoughts by providing a momentary pause, allowing our minds to reset and refocus. The act of hydrating also refreshes the body, which can enhance mental clarity and promote a sense of calm. Do a 1 minute grounding exercise- Grounding exercises promote a calm mindset by helping gardeners root themselves in the present moment, reducing anxiety and fostering a sense of stability and peace. Engaging in these activities and exercises can help you reduce and redirect stress quickly and foster a sense of calm and control in your day. Discovering the right’gardening tools’ that resonate with you takes time and exploration, so keep nurturing and growing that gardening toolbox, gardeners! << CLICK THE POSTER TO DOWNLOAD THE PDF PRINTABLE VERSION OR CLICK HERE >> We would love to hear what your favorite go-to gardening tools are…send us message for a chance to be featured in an upcoming #PullYourWeeds post! Discover how Lickety Split Gardening Tools can reduce stress in 60 seconds or less! From smiling to doodling, find your go-to coping strategies here.

School Spotlight: Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School We are truly grateful to have had the opportunity to plant seeds of positivity at Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School . From the moment we arrived, we were embraced by the uplifting music playing outside at the drop off line that greeted us, setting the tone for a truly inspiring day. The warm welcome from their friendly administration and the outstanding, respectful students made our visit memorable and impactful. It is clear that the spirit of their school truly shines. You Are a Gardener® Assembly at Catherine A. Dwyer School, Wharton, NJ This is one of the first Blue Ribbon Schools we have connected with. This national award is rooted in excellence, recognizing schools that demonstrate exceptional teaching, learning, and a commitment to closing achievement gaps. Being designated as a Blue Ribbon School like Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire school community, including administrators, teachers, students, and parents. It highlights a positive and inclusive learning environment where students are encouraged to reach their full potential. "Thank you so much for coming, Shanna. The kids loved the assembly and there were many important messages which fit seamlessly with our character education curriculum. We appreciate the PTA for coordinating such a fabulous program. " ~Ms. Alexa Case, School Counselor Our collaboration with this Blue Ribbon School provides an exciting opportunity to enhance their already thriving educational programs with our You Are a Gardener® Social-Emotional learning initiative. We aim to support their efforts by introducing tools and practices that promote emotional resilience and well-being among students. Together, we can cultivate a nurturing atmosphere that empowers young minds to navigate challenges with confidence and creativity. The #PullYourWeeds® SEL Assembly at the Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School Fall 2024 We are thrilled to contribute to their journey and look forward to seeing how our partnership will further enrich the lives of their students, planting seeds for a brighter and more inclusive future. " The assembly was great! Not only is it a great way to enhance our character education but it's a fun connection to our science curricula as well." ~ Katie Nangle, Library S.T.E.A.M. Specialist A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Catherine A.Dwyer PTO for facilitating the connection and supporting the You Are a Gardener® program. Their efforts have helped create a nurturing environment for growth and learning, and we are excited to be a part of their journey. We eagerly anticipate attending their Arbor Day celebration in the spring, which promises to be a wonderful occasion to come together once again. "Thank you, Shanna, for the kind words, these resources and a great assembly. I work at another school in the district and I even heard good things about the program there, so the word is spreading.  We look forward to working with you again in the spring for Arbor Day." ~ Christina M. Catherine A. Dwyer PTO In the meantime, we hope to help the program take root in the classrooms and have compiled a curated collection of resources and activities designed to keep the You Are a Gardener® mindset flourishing in their school all year long. This information is accessible through a private link specifically for their school district, providing easy and organized access to all the materials needed to keep it growing. Thank you once more to the Catherine A. Dwyer community for this incredible experience. It was a joy to witness the enthusiasm and engagement of your students and staff. We cannot wait to see how the seeds we've planted together will grow and flourish in your community. We will see you in the spring at your Arbor day celebration! Is you school ready to dig into the You Are a Gardener® educational programs and #PullYourWeeds® assemblies? Contact Us today for a quote at flowers@youareagardener.com Discover the heartwarming journey of You Are a Gardener® at Catherine A. Dwyer Elementary School, a Blue Ribbon School where positivity and growth thrive.

Gather 'round the kitchen, gardeners, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with Coconut Curry Chicken Dumplings ! This vibrant, fragrant recipe is an invitation to explore new flavors and enjoy a healthy, hearty meal that the whole family can get involved in making. With the warm spices of red curry and turmeric mingling with creamy coconut milk, this dish offers a delicious escape into the world of flavor. Scroll down to get the recipe & scroll all they way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! Perfect for cooler days, this soup is both comforting and exciting, providing just the right amount of spice to tantalize your taste buds. The combination of tender chicken dumplings and fresh spinach adds a delightful texture, while the touch of siracha provides a bold finish for those who crave a little extra kick. Not only is this recipe a treat for your palate, but it's also a fantastic way to bring everyone together in the kitchen. Encourage your little gardeners to help with stirring, tasting, and even customizing their bowls with their favorite garnishes. Cooking this Coconut Curry Chicken Dumpling Soup is not just about the end result, but the shared moments and memories created along the way. So grab your aprons, gather your ingredients, and let the fun begin! Coconut Curry Chicken Dumplings 16 ounces chopped baby bella mushrooms 4-5 cloves minced garlic 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or olive) 1 tablespoon butter 3-4 tablespoons red curry paste 2-3 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon (chicken or vegetable) 4-6 cups water 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce 1-2 teaspoons fish sauce 1-2 teaspoons turmeric 2 cans (13.5 oz each) coconut milk 2 bags (24 oz each) frozen chicken dumplings (or you can use vegetable or beef) 5 ounces fresh finely chopped baby spinach 1 bunch chopped scallions Siracha (optional drizzle for garnish) In a pan, heat oil and butter to sauté the mushrooms until they are browned. Once they are fully browned, add a pinch of salt and the garlic, allowing the garlic to become fragrant (about 30-60 seconds). Stir in the curry paste and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add the bouillon, water, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors. Pour in the coconut milk, stir, and simmer for a few more minutes before adding the frozen dumplings. Cook on a gentle simmer until the dumplings are heated through (approximately 5 minutes). Add the chopped spinach and allow it to simmer for another 1-2 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped scallions and a drizzle of siracha sauce. Enjoy! Serves 6-8 Note: The fun part of this recipe is experimenting with different flavors and adjusting quantities to suit your taste. It's a delightful dish to prepare with your kids and makes for excellent leftovers! Click here for more tasty recipes on our #PullYourWeeds® Blog! So, gather your loved ones, embrace the joyful spirit of cooking, and enjoy the delicious journey of creating Coconut Curry Chicken Dumpling Soup together. Here's to shared laughter, cherished moments, and the delightful satisfaction of a meal made with love. Happy cooking, gardeners! Hey gardeners, did you make our yummy Coconut Curry Chicken Dumplings? If so, congratulations, you can collect the "Coconut Curry Dumplings" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Indulge in a culinary adventure with Coconut Curry Chicken Dumplings! Embrace the joy of cooking with your little ones and savor the delightful flavors.

Fall Into The Pages of You Are a Gardener® ! Our children's book is dedicated to spreading the seeds of emotional empowerment and resilience for gardeners of all ages. We use gardening vocabulary as emotional metaphors: flowers symbolize our joy and gratitude, weeds represent our stress and struggles, gardening tools are our coping skills, and seeds embody the positive ways we move forward and flourish through life's challenges. This delightful book is perfect for use at home, in schools, during counseling sessions, or for homeschooling. Its message is rooted in planting the seeds of positive change within ourselves, our families, our communities, and our world. Let’s nurture positive growth together by cultivating more seeds of kindness, love, respect, inclusivity, empathy, compassion, and integrity. Purchase your signed copy today and let’s grow! All books are signed by the author, Shanna Truffini and can be personalized at no additional charge! Fall Into The Pages of You Are a Gardener® and cultivate emotional empowerment and resilience through the power of gardening metaphors. Purchase your signed copy today!

Hello, gardeners! Today, we are excited to introduce a Halloween printable that focuses on transforming Weeds to Seeds (stress into success). Our Weeds to Seeds Halloween Feelings Flashcards are enjoyable tools for use at home, in schools, or during counseling sessions. Encouraging 'gardeners' to express their 'weeds' (uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, and emotions) is important for their social and emotional growth. Scroll down to download our free printable flashcards & scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity! <> Helping young gardeners identify these emotions equips them with the understanding of how crucial it is to recognize when we are caught in the weeds . By equipping young gardeners with healthy and positive 'gardening tools' (activities that promote calmness and confidence), we can foster a healthy approach to converting our weeds (negative emotions) into opportunities for learning and growth. To utilize our Weeds to Seeds Halloween Feelings Flashcards, simply download the free printables , cut out the flashcards, and have younger gardeners select a feelings card, then choose a corresponding healthy 'gardening tool' flashcard. We also included blank flashcards for gardeners to identify their own feelings and choose healthy 'gardening tools that they can relate to.' Keep nurturing your growth through challenges gardeners, and enjoy our Halloween-themed SEL activity! Hey gardeners, did you make print out our Weeds to Seeds Halloween Feelings Flashcards? If so, congratulations, you can collect the "Halloween Feelings Flashcards" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Transform stress into success with our Weeds to Seeds Halloween Feelings Flashcards! Help young gardeners recognize and cope with uncomfortable emotions.

Hello, gardeners! In the spirit of Halloween, we're excited to introduce a delightful gratitude activity called Gratitude Ghosts! This engaging exercise is perfect for gardeners of all ages to take a moment of mindfulness and reflect on the things we appreciate during this festive season . Our free activity sheet serves as an excellent resource for use at home, in schools, or during group sessions. Cultivating gratitude helps us maintain a calm and appreciative mindset as gardeners. Recognizing the 'flowers' — our positive thoughts and feelings — in our gardens can sometimes require effort. It's essential to pause and celebrate the beautiful blooms all around us. To make your Gratitude Ghosts, simply scroll down to access our free, printable activity sheet. On each ghost, write down something you are grateful for; a person, a place, an experience, or even a little joy that adds brightness to your day. For a fun Halloween twist, focus on things you're thankful for during this festive season. Once you've finished, feel free to color or decorate your ghosts with spooky designs and vibrant colors, ensuring that each one is spooktacular! << Scroll all the way down to collect your Gardening Tool Badge for this activity!>> <> Once your Gratitude Ghosts are complete, consider displaying them in a special spot at home or in the classroom as a daily reminder of positivity and thankfulness. You can even create a Gratitude Ghosts garland to celebrate the spirit of gratitude throughout the season by cutting each ghost. This activity not only encourages reflection and mindfulness but also fosters a collective spirit of appreciation, as everyone shares the things they cherish most. Engaging in activities like Gratitude Ghosts can strengthen our emotional resilience, helping us focus on the positive aspects of our lives. By regularly acknowledging our 'flowers,' we can cultivate a garden of gratitude that nurtures our well-being and enhances our connections with others. So, gather your materials gardeners and let your Gratitude Ghosts float through your garden of thankfulness, celebrating the joys that make life truly special. Happy Halloween, gardeners! Hey gardeners, did you print out our Gratitude Ghosts? If so, congratulations, you can collect the '"Gratitude Ghosts" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Cultivate a spooktacular spirit of gratitude with Gratitude Ghosts! Embrace the festive season by reflecting on the things you appreciate most.

Ooey Gooey Popcorn Pumpkin Treats - Hello, gardeners! Today, Gardener Anna is experimenting with a delightful Halloween-themed treat in the gardeners’ kitchen. This easy and ‘spooktacular’ recipe requires just three ingredients... no tricks, only treats! Gardener Anna melted marshmallows and butter on the stove, then combined them with her favorite organic popcorn in a large baking dish. To give this ooey gooey treat a festive flair, she used her pumpkin cookie cutters! Once the popcorn mixture was spread out, Anna pressed the cookie cutters into the gooey goodness, creating fun pumpkin shapes that were as delicious as they were cute. The best part of experimenting in the kitchen is that it allows gardeners of all ages to engage their creativity and imagination. Exploring different ingredients, textures, and flavors, enhances our sensory experiences. Cooking and baking together helps build on communication and cooperation skills. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bond with family and friends, fostering a sense of fun, belonging and teamwork. Emotionally, it also boosts confidence when we successfully follow a recipe or come up with their own creations. Gardeners feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in our culinary achievements. Not only is it fun, but this kind of kitchen experimentation like Gardener Anna’s Oooey Gooy Popcorn Treats, also builds foundational skills such as measuring, counting, and following instructions, which can reinforce academic learning and keep gardeners in a mindful moment. It’s a delightful way for gardeners of all ages to learn and grow, making the kitchen a perfect canvas to pull your weeds and plant positive & tasty seeds! Check out more 'spooktacular' Halloween recipes, crafts & activities... .Click Here! Hey gardeners, did you make Gardener Anna's Ooey Gooey Popcorn Treats? If so, congratulations, you can collect the ' Ooey Gooey Popcorn Treats" Gardening Tool Badge'!  --> Click the badge to download a pdf sticker for your  Gardening Tool Badge Collector Sheet Unleash your creativity with Ooey Gooey Popcorn Pumpkin Treats! Join Gardener Anna in the kitchen for a 'spooktacular' and delightful Halloween-themed recipe.