How Can Permaculture Facilitate Intergenerational Learning?

“I’m interested in teaching my grandkids about permaculture so we can spend some quality time together and share knowledge across generations. However, I’m unsure how to make it fun and engaging for them while ensuring they understand the more complex aspects. Do you have any tips for facilitating intergenerational learning in permaculture? My grandkids are between the ages of 7-15. We have a small garden and would love to bring more permaculture practices into it. How do we start?” thanks, Barbara, Portland, USA.

Why Permaculture Is Perfect for Intergenerational Learning

Permaculture, at its heart, is about sustainability and community, making it an ideal bridge for connecting diverse age groups. By involving both young and old, it allows valuable knowledge and skills to be shared, benefiting everyone involved. Barbara, incorporating permaculture into your time with grandkids can be both educational and enjoyable if approached the right way.

Let’s think about it—who doesn’t love playing in the dirt? For kids, what might initially seem like a “boring” gardening lesson can quickly turn into a hands-on adventure where they become nature detectives, designers, and protectors all in one. Meanwhile, for older generations, it’s an opportunity to revisit familiar skills, delve into stories of how things were done “back in the day,” and pass on wisdom that young folks might not find in a textbook.

Make It Fun: Practical Tips for Engaging the Young Ones

If you’re going to capture the attention of your young learners, the key is to make it fun. Kids love activities that involve using their hands, moving around, and solving problems—so why not introduce permaculture as a series of mini-adventures?

1. Start with A Scavenger Hunt

Get your grandkids involved by setting up a scavenger hunt right in your garden! Create a list of things to find in nature—like a worm, a specific leaf shape, or a colorful stone. Not only will this make them more aware of what’s already in the garden, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some learning about soil health, biodiversity, and plant varieties.

2. Animal and Plant Friendships

Kids are fascinated by animals. Why not teach them about companion planting by relating it to friendships? Explain how some plants help each other grow just like good friends do. You can even have them pair up plants that “like” each other (like tomatoes and basil) and watch how they thrive together. It’s like setting up an inter-plant friendship that kids can tend to over time!

3. Make It a Competition

Channel that sibling or cousin rivalry into something positive by turning garden tasks into friendly competitions. Who can spot the most insects (beneficial or otherwise), who can come up with the most creative design for a rainwater collection system using available resources, or who can build the best bug hotel? Just don’t forget to have a small treat or reward handy for everyone who takes part—after all, they’re learning, and that’s a win for everyone.

Bring in the Wisdom of the Elders

Barbara, your grandkids might be surprised to learn just how much you already know about gardening and nature. Sharing this expertise can have a big impact. Here’s how to bring the wisdom of the elders into your permaculture lessons:

1. Storytime with a Twist

Everyone loves a good story, and childhood memories are treasures waiting to be shared. When working on a garden project, weave in tales from your own past or your family’s history. Explain how your grandparents used to grow certain plants, or how they handled pests without modern chemicals. These stories not only add depth to the learning experience but also foster a strong appreciation for tradition and resourcefulness.

2. Introduce Simple, Long-Standing Techniques

You’ve probably picked up a few tried-and-true methods that have served you well over the years. Teach your grandkids simple yet effective techniques, like composting or using a hand hoe instead of modern tools. Explain the benefits of these methods and why they’ve stood the test of time. They might just adopt these practices into their own lives, passing them down to future generations.

3. Gardening as Meditation

While kids might be full of energy, there’s value in teaching them the meditative side of gardening, which can deeply connect them to the earth. Perhaps one of your favorite quiet activities is pulling weeds or pruning plants. Introduce this to your grandkids as a mindful practice. It can be a calming, grounding experience that they might turn to when life gets noisy. Plus, it teaches patience—a valuable lesson for people of all ages.

Age-Specific Permaculture Activities

Given that Barbara’s grandkids are between 7 to 15 years old, engaging different age groups can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Each group has different levels of understanding and interest. Here’s how to tailor activities to their developmental stages:

1. 7-9 Years Old: The Explorers

• Wildlife Exploration: This age group is naturally curious. They can help search for animals or bugs and learn how these creatures contribute to a healthy garden ecosystem.
• Watering Duty: Most kids love playing with water, so give them the responsibility of keeping the garden hydrated. Teach them when plants need water and when they don’t.
• Mini Plots: Give them their own small section of the garden to plant something simple—carrots, radishes, or herbs. Let them choose what goes in, and offer gentle guidance as they care for it.

2. 10-12 Years Old: The Designers

• Creating Garden Art: Let your tweens tap into their creative side! This age group thrives on self-expression, so why not have them design garden art or planters using recycled materials? They can also learn about the concept of “designing with nature” by drawing up their own small garden plans.
• Building Projects: Simple structures like a trellis or a small raised bed are engaging for this age group. It gives them a practical skill set while reinforcing concepts like recycling and upcycling.
• Composting Champions: Teach them about composting by encouraging them to weigh and record how much food waste they’re diverting from the landfill. This can be turned into a regular activity that tracks progress over time.

3. 13-15 Years Old: The Problem Solvers

• Advanced Projects: Teens at this age are ready to tackle more complex tasks. Let them design solutions to common garden challenges, like creating shade for sun-sensitive plants or devising water conservation systems.
• Community Projects: If they’re interested, get them involved in larger community-based initiatives, like organizing a neighborhood garden tour or starting a seed library. This not only teaches permaculture principles but also leadership and social skills.
• Eco Debate: Teens enjoy debates and discussions. Use this energy to discuss larger environmental issues, like climate change and how permaculture can be a part of the solution. You might be surprised at the insights they offer!

Overcoming Common Challenges in Intergenerational Permaculture Learning

No project is without its hiccups, but knowing the potential challenges ahead helps in navigating them. Here are a few issues you might run into and how to overcome them:

1. Short Attention Spans

Kids, especially younger ones, can lose interest quickly if something feels too slow or boring. Break tasks into small, manageable chunks. Mix in activities that require high energy with quieter moments of reflection. A little variety goes a long way in keeping everyone engaged.

2. Differing Interest Levels

Not all kids (or adults, for that matter) find every aspect of permaculture fascinating. Allow each person to gravitate towards what interests them the most. When someone shows a keen interest in a particular area—be it animals, plants, or even tools—encourage them to delve deeper. This personalized approach ensures that everyone stays motivated.

3. Generational Gaps in Knowledge

The knowledge gap between kids and older folks can sometimes create a barrier. For instance, kids might not appreciate the importance of soil health, while adults might not “get” the importance of immediate feedback and visible rewards for younger children. Frequent, simple explanations and just a bit of patience can bridge this gap. Remember, learning is a two-way street—and you might even find yourself picking up new perspectives from the younger generation!

Lasting Benefits of Intergenerational Learning in Permaculture

Investing time in teaching your grandkids about permaculture offers numerous rewards that extend far beyond the garden. Not only are you nurturing a deeper bond with them, but you’re also planting the seeds of ecological awareness that will grow with them throughout their lives. These are just a few of the long-term benefits you’ll see:

1. Lifelong Learning

When kids learn from their grandparents, they often retain this knowledge far better than they would from formal education. This is because it’s delivered in a context of love and shared experience. Don’t be surprised if, years down the line, you hear them repeat something you said as they’re sharing it with their own kids.

2. Building Respect for Nature

Involving your grandkids in the practice of permaculture will cultivate their respect for the environment. They’ll grow up understanding the principles of sustainability, which is essential for stewarding the planet.

3. Fostering Patience and Responsibility

Permaculture, unlike many modern-day activities, is not a quick-fix hobby. It requires patience, persistence, and a sense of responsibility that’s invaluable for young people to learn. Watching something grow from seed to harvest doesn’t just yield food—it also nurtures these qualities in the gardener.

Final Thoughts…

Barbara, thank you for such an insightful question! Introducing your grandkids to permaculture creates not just a greener garden, but also a special opportunity for bonding and long-term learning. Keep the activities varied, involve everyone according to their strengths, and don’t forget to include plenty of storytelling and playful challenges.

Your grandkids might not fully realize it now, but the seeds you’re planting today—both in the garden and in their hearts—will grow into lifelong skills, memories, and a deep respect for nature. Happy gardening!