Booksin is proud to have a working community garden, known as The Bulldogs' Backyard Garden. This outdoor classroom provides students with a hands-on learning experience in life science. Interested in being a Garden Docent?

1) What does being a Garden Docent mean?
Lessons are 1x per month from September through May (no January lesson, 8 lessons total) for one hour.  Prep and cleanup are typically 30 min. each for a total commitment of 2 hours/month.

2) How do I run a lesson? 
Typically classes are broken up into 3 smaller groups of approximately 8 students that rotate between three stations.  Each garden docent works with  a group for approximately 10-15 minutes each.

• Station 1: Maintenance - This could include weeding, clearing a garden bed, or looking for pests.
• Station 2: Tasting - Taste from the garden bounty!  It’s always amazing what your child will taste when their friends are tasting too!
• Station 3: Curriculum Activity - Lessons are provided. Monthly themes inspire activities that teach children about different aspects of outdoor science. This could include reading a book on bugs from the garden shed library or making a simple bird feeder they can take home.  

3) How do I become a Garden Docent?
View the day/time of your class garden lesson. If it works with your schedule, let your teacher know you are interested or sign up here. Once approved,  mark your calendar for September (TBD) for the Garden Docent Orientation.

4) What if I'm not ready to be a docent but I want to help in the garden? Wonderful!  Contact the garden leads (Garden@mybesca.com) and we can help you get started at your convenience.

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All volunteers in this committee must be cleared by San Jose Unified School District as a volunteer before you can volunteer on campus during school hours. Please follow this process (http://mybesca.com/volunteer) to be approved. BOTH returning parents and new parents must apply.