In the first few weeks of the school year, students at Erie Elementary are rolling up their sleeves and diving into hands-on learning. Inside the school’s gardening class, students explore science, nature, and art through activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity. On a recent morning, students were observed illustrating flowers in their classroom before heading outside to work together in the school’s garden beds.

Guided by their teacher, Mrs. Mangione, the class eagerly worked to clear four garden beds by sharing tools and preparing the soil for next year’s crops. The work was more than just maintenance, it was an opportunity for students to practice responsibility, teamwork, and patience. “Blending science, art, and nature in the gardening class allows students to learn through multiple modalities and engage on different levels, making the experience more meaningful,” said Mrs. Mangione, a K-5 Autism teacher.

A special feature of the gardening program is the inclusion of older Cub Club students, who co-teach and support lessons alongside their younger classmates. These student mentors gain leadership experience while serving as role models, helping create an inclusive environment where all students feel supported. According to Mrs. Mangione, “This mentorship builds compassion and strengthens connections across grade levels.”

From planting seeds to observing birds at the feeder, the gardening class blends academic learning with hands-on experiences that reflect St. Vrain Valley Schools’ high educational standards and expectations. Each activity fosters social-emotional growth, flexibility, and care for the natural world. By using a reverse inclusion model, the classroom creates a welcoming, unified environment allowing all students to develop skills that extend far beyond the garden.