I am Carlos Jr. Barretto, an international educator currently teaching second grade at Bel Nor Elementary School under the Normandy Schools Collaborative. During this school year, I had the privilege of implementing a meaningful and practical learning initiative through our school’s Legacy Center Tutoring Program—a Gardening Learning Module thoughtfully designed for first- and second-grade students.
The gardening collaboration brought together students from Bel nor Elementary School in Missouri and Grade 6 Aguinaldo students from Banisilan Central Elementary School, Banisilan North Cotabato in the Philippines, creating a meaningful cross cultural learning experience. Through this shared project, students from two different countries connected through a simple yet powerful activity—gardening. Despite the distance between them, they worked toward the same goal of nurturing plants and learning from one another.
Cultural Exchange Through a Gardening Learning Module
In Missouri, students planted cucumber seeds, preparing soil and caring for their seedlings with excitement and teamwork. At the same time, students in the Philippines planted Malunggay in their school garden, engaging in outdoor work that reflected their own local environment and agricultural traditions. These parallel activities highlighted both the similarities and differences in their daily lives, showing how gardening can take many forms while still fostering the same values.
Throughout the project, students exchanged photos, ideas, and techniques, allowing them to learn not only about gardening but also about each other’s cultures. This exchange helped them understand how different communities approach sustainability, food production, and environmental care. By seeing their peers engaged in similar tasks, they developed a sense of connection and curiosity about life beyond their own classrooms.
Cultivating Life Skills through Gardening
The activity also encouraged important skills such as teamwork, responsibility, and problem solving. Students learned the importance of patience and consistency as they cared for their plants, while also gaining a deeper appreciation for nature. At the same time, they discovered that collaboration could happen across borders, and that learning from others enriches their own experiences.
Ultimately, this gardening project planted more than seeds. It nurtured friendship, cultural understanding, and a sense of global community among young learners. By working together from different parts of the world, the students demonstrated that even simple activities can build bridges, inspire curiosity, and help them grow into more open minded and globally aware individuals.
Offering Authentic, Hands-on Experiences
As an educator from the Philippines, I firmly believe that meaningful learning extends beyond the four walls of the classroom. This gardening-based tutoring program provided students with authentic, hands-on experiences that fostered essential life skills such as sustainability, environmental awareness, and responsibility. Through collaborative planning and planting, students strengthened their teamwork skills. By caring for their seedlings, they learned accountability. As they patiently awaited the first signs of growth, they developed perseverance and gained a deeper appreciation for the natural processes that sustain life.
A Positive Outcome
Beyond its academic and environmental objectives, this initiative evolved into a rich cross-cultural learning experience. I introduced gardening traditions, values, and practices from my home country while learning alongside my American students as we explored new approaches and discoveries rooted in both Philippine and U.S. contexts. This exchange created a shared learning environment where curiosity was encouraged, cultural perspectives were valued, and students felt empowered to take an active role in nurturing growth—both in the garden and within themselves.
Being an International Teacher
To me, being an international teacher means more than delivering instruction. It means planting seeds of knowledge, compassion, and global understanding that extend beyond individual learners and positively impact the broader school community. Through initiatives like this gardening program, education becomes a living process—one that grows, connects, and inspires.
Thank you, Carlos, for sharing your remarkable program experience with us! We wish you a wonderful rest of your Teach USA Program, and all the best in your future!
Is your school ready to host highly qualified international educators to contribute to the learning experience of your students and communities? Visit HostGreenheartTeachers.org to apply to host today.
If your school participates in one or more of Greenheart’s cultural exchange programs, your school will be eligible for up to $4,000 in grants as a Greenheart School. Learn more by visiting GreenheartSchools.org.