Experiment into the effects of plants in the classroom

Background

There is considerable attention for greening schoolyards and outdoor spaces, but little is said about greenery in the classroom. Research among parents of primary school children in the Netherlands shows that 23% of classrooms have no greenery at all. When there is greenery, three-quarters of classrooms have just one to five plants. More than half of parents say they consider it important for plants to be present in the classroom. Not only because they create a pleasant atmosphere, but also because parents see other important benefits of plants.

Improved atmosphere and learning environment

Parents see plants not only as decoration, but also as a valuable addition to the learning environment. More than three-quarters of parents believe that plants contribute to better air quality, which could have a positive effect on the children’s focus and well-being. As a result, they feel that children are more comfortable and can perform better in the classroom. In addition to the physical benefits, greenery in the classroom is associated with an improved atmosphere. 78% of parents believe that plants enhance the atmosphere in the classroom. 41% think that their children’s concentration improves, and 47% believe that plants can improve pupils’ attention and focus.

Sense of responsibility

Caring for the plants also offers benefits. 74% of parents say that looking after plants could foster a sense of responsibility in their children. Almost 80% are willing to help care for the plants during the holidays. This means that care for the greenery in the classroom can continue outside regular school hours.

Green classroom experiment

During the experiment, primary school classes throughout the Netherlands will receive a lesson on plants and plant care. Each child will receive their own plant and learn how to care for it themselves. This will significantly increase the amount of greenery in the classrooms. The effect of the plants and their care on the children’s well-being will be measured before and after the lessons. In this way, the foundation hopes to demonstrate that it is necessary to make classrooms greener and to inspire schools to make more classrooms greener as well.

About Bloemenbureau Holland

Bloemenbureau Holland provides international consumer marketing and communications about flowers and plants on behalf of growers and traders in the Netherlands. Its aim is to stimulate demand by inspiring and informing consumers about the positive effects of flowers and plants.

About GreenBee Foundation

GreenBee Foundation wants to make the future greener. This non-profit organization is taking small steps toward this major ambition by bringing more greenery into the indoor spaces of schools. Children receive their own plant in the classroom and learn about caring for and the importance of greenery. In this way, they are making the green classroom the norm in Dutch schools, with all the benefits that entails.