It's advisable to share with parents why you're introducing a garden into the classroom, and how it will contribute to the core lessons and values you'll be reinforcing through this experiment, including: improved vocabulary, group work, responsibility, empathy, and compassion.

Most parents will welcome being invited to contribute to their child's classroom in a meaningful when it fits their interests and schedules - but it's up to you to ask for help in a way that parents can easily engage.

One way to make it a little easier for parents to get involved is to notify them as early as possible about your plan to build a garden. The more notice they have, the easier it will be for them to volunteer their time or offer financial support, as well as pose any questions they may have.

You can notify parents in several ways: sending a letter home with students, emailing parents directly, including a notice in the school newsletter, or putting a post on the school website. Whichever method works best for you is fine.

In your notice to parents, include the following:

1. An explanation of why you're building a garden, and how it relates to student learning objectives.
2. A list of materials that you require (as well as how parents can donate these materials)
3. A list of different ways that parents can get involved.
4. If you require parent volunteers, consider sending out a volunteer schedule that parents can complete and send back with students.