MEMBERS ONLY
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What is a Junior Master Gardener® (JMG™ ) ?
The Junior Master Gardener Program is an international youth gardening program of the Texas Cooperative Extension Network. JMG engages children in novel ”hands-on” group and individual learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind.
The Mission of JMG is growing good kids by igniting a passion for learning, success and service through a unique gardening education. The success of the program is obvious through program numbers:
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Who are all these kids? They come from many different groups and age levels. JMG groups are organized through public/private schools, home school groups, and after-school programs. Many groups utilize the JMG program in 4-H clubs, YMCA activities, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. The program targets three levels: Level 1 (grades 3-5), Level 2 (grades 6-8) and Level 3 (grades 9-11).
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What kind of results can we see? One example of results is the Temple, Texas Elementary groups, which have been quite active for years. A study of 647 third, fourth, and fifth graders in Temple organized around two groups: an experimental group that participated in school gardening activities as well as the traditional classroom based science; and the control group was taught science in the traditional methods only. The study found that students in the experimental group scored significantly higher on the science achievement test. (Holt Technology, vol 15. no. 3, 2005 / Klemmer, Waliczek & Kajicek)
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Who directs the JMG groups? Groups are led by teachers, volunteers, horticulturists and Master Gardeners. Texas Master Gardeners are at the heart of the JMG program but are only some of the teachers and gardeners involved. Master Gardeners also need to receive preparation for JMG direction. JMG offers a dynamic and intensive training conference specifically designed for those coordinating, supporting or working to grow new JMG programs at the county level. Two days of study at Texas A&M followed by community service in an appropriate county prepares a JMG Specialist. Mimi DeLoach and Walt Friis are Ellis County Master Gardeners who are both completing the Specialist Certificate. Master Gardeners have taught from the JMG curriculum in Ellis County at all levels: Kindergartens, first and second grades; 5th grade elementary students for two years in four elementary schools; Junior High and Senior High horticulture groups; and a JMG group who was Certified after completing the JMG curriculum, community service and gardening.
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What can a relatively small JMG group do? We’ll close our first article and, so doing, connect you with a Texas JMG group in action. In this month’s JMG National Newsletter (August, 2007) , the selected JMG Group of the month is in Nueces County, Texas, and calls itself the Fabulous Farmers. This is their report to the newsletter. “The Fabulous Farmers are under the direction of Mrs. Stephanie Martin who has promoted diversity, cooperation, and horticulture in Nueces County. This JMG group provides a worthwhile, enriching, and enlighting program to the public and various schools in Nueces County while fulfilling the needs of the community. Their first project was to grow food for a local food bank which included preparing the beds, planting, maintaining and finally harvesting for donation. The Fabulous Farmers have utilized their community in spreading the word about horticulture through successful collaborations”. These are elementary school students and certainly deserved the recognition. You may explore the JMG at www.jmgkids.us. Junior Master Gardener articles will be offered each Wednesday. We welcome comments and questions: mimideloach@sbcglobal.net or waltfriis@msn.com
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| Walt Friis and Mimi DeLoach, Master Gardeners under the direction of the JMG Program and Curriculum Coordinators, Department of the Horticulture Sciences, TAMU. | |