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The Gardener

Elementary

Description

The Gardener portrays the journey of Lydia Grace Finch who is sent off to live with her Uncle Jim because her father has lost his job. Lydia brings with her a suitcase full of seeds to the big, gray city and gradually transforms her uncle’s shop by growing flowers. Brightening the shop, she brings smiles to customers' faces with the flowers she grows. Wanting to do something special for her uncle, Lydia secretly plants a rooftop garden. The story relays the message of the impact one small individual can make. The issue of recycling and reusing is also explored as Lydia plants seeds in various teacups and containers.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

The Gardener could be used to explore a variety of environmental and citizenship issues such as appreciating the natural world, community building and recycling. The book reminds us all that one person, no matter how small, can indeed make a difference.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 2
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Living Systems: Understandings of the living world, Earth, and space are deepened through investigating natural systems and their interactions
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 2
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment
    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems
  • Manitoba
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      • Science
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        • Air and Water in the Environment
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Growth and Changes in Plants
  • New Brunswick
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      • Science
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        • Our Local Environment : :Scientific Literacy
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Air and Water in the Environment
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Plant Growth & Changes
  • Northwest Territories
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      • Science
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        • Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
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      • Science
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        • Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
  • Nova Scotia
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      • Science
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        • Science 2: Air and Water in the Environment
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        • Science 3: Plants
  • Nunavut
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      • Science
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        • Earth and Space Systems: Air and Water in the Environment
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        • Life Systems: Growth and Changes in Plants
  • Ontario
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      • Science & Technology
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        • Life Systems: Growth & Changes in Plants
  • Prince Edward Island
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        • Air & Water in the Environment
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        • Plant Growth & Changes
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Air and Water in the Environment
    • Grade 3
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Plant Growth and Changes
  • Yukon Territory
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    • Grade 2
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2: Living things have life cycles adapted to their environment
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • Community-Building and Participation

Ecosystems (1)

  • Appreciating the Natural World

Food & Agriculture (1)

  • Local Food

Waste Management (1)

  • Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle