Skill Level
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Learner Outcomes
- Cultivate intentional awareness through creative expression.
- Work individually to inspire creativity while meeting criteria set by instructor/facilitator.
- Gain an understanding of different perspectives.
Life Skills
Decision making, planning/organizing, wise use of resources, communications, social skills, sharing, healthy lifestyle choices, self-esteem, self-responsibility, character
Time
15-20 minutes
Materials
- Rocks
- Paint and paint brushes, or paint markers
- Chalk / chalkboard paint – great way to reuse the same rocks for different groups (optional)
- Quote handout from 4.2 Voices in Justice activity (optional)
- Table covering such as tarps or newspaper (optional)
Space
A space in which youth can paint rocks
Introduction
Garden markers are a great way to add art, appreciation, and intention to your garden experience. In this activity, encourage youth to get creative. Youth can be encouraged to discuss or reflect on why someone might want a garden marker, especially one that inspires action. When presenting their markers to the larger group, youth gain an understanding of different perspectives. We interpret differently as individuals and this can be a great asset.
Before the Activity
Gather supplies and set up space for painting. Reflect upon what purpose these markers are for. Example purposes include markers that show appreciation to our space and markers that inspire you to take action.
Activity
Opening Questions
Choose questions suitable for the group, if appropriate pose the question to set the tone and do not seek an answer.
- How can we show appreciation to our spaces?
- What does action look like? Does it have to be uniform? Does it have to succeed to make an impact?
Experience
- Provide general instructions for the purpose of garden markers. Share at the end, participants will be invited to show their creations and talk about why they chose to proceed the way they did.
- Participants can work individually to craft their garden markers. You can share the quote handout from the 4.2 Voices in Justice activity as inspiration.
- Once youth have finished their creations, have them share as a whole group or in smaller groups. When youth share, invite them to talk about their markers. Ask youth about the rationale behind their decision-making. Welcome discussion on different interpretations of the directions to emphasize how different ideas can work together and build an even stronger idea.
Reflection Questions
- How did you decide what to paint?
Learn More
- Boredom Busters NC State Extension
- Monroe County (NY) 4-H presents Making Garden Ornaments
- The Kindness Rocks ProjectTM
Acknowledgements
Originally written by: Catherine Combs