2. Teacher as Gardener Classroom as botanical garden Students as flowers Teaching methods & materials as sun, soil & water Specialist teachers as plant nutrients Negative outside influences as weeds

3. Teacher as Gardener The Gardener nurtures the flowers giving them the required amount of soil, water, sun and special nutrients that each species requires. Selected varieties of flowers do better when planted together. The Gardener is aware of the needs of the different varieties of flowers and tends to them as required. All students are different due to their prior experiences and learning styles and abilities. Teachers need to be adaptable to the learning needs of each student. Some classmates work better together than others and some work better alone. The teacher needs to be aware of the changing needs of her students and be adaptable in her teaching methods.

4. Classroom as a Botanical Garden The garden is a beautiful, peaceful and inviting place to be. The flowers are healthy and well cared for. The garden has a structured layout and is arranged so that the Gardener has easy access to tend to the flowers. It is important for a classroom to have the attributes of a well cared for garden. It is warm, comfortable, inviting, peaceful, organised, happy and clean. The students should feel at home in their classroom and look forward to spending time there. The classroom layout should be fluid, being easily rearranged to suit the various lessons and activities.

5. Students as Flowers The flowers are all different. There are many varieties which come in all shapes and colours. Each flower is unique in how fast it grows and how healthy it is. They all require varying amounts of sun and water. All students are unique. They have different experiences which they bring to the classroom. Students learn at different rates and a class can have students working at many different levels.

6. Teaching Methods & Materials as Sun, Soil & Water The Gardener ensures the flowers have adequate sun, soil and water according to their needs. Each student has different requirements for learning and the teacher needs to be adaptable to the learning requirements of each student.

7. Specialist Teachers as Plant Nutrients The Gardener provides the flowers special nutrients and soil conditioner as required. When students require extra help with their learning a specialist teacher is called in to assist.

8. Negative Influences as Weeds The Gardener tends to the garden keeping the weeds under control. Some students have negative influences that may impact on their learning such as: a difficult home situation, lack of proper nutrition, medical issues or disabilities. The teacher needs to identify the special needs of students who are having difficulties and find appropriate strategies or resources to assist the them so that they can get the most out of their schooling.