Nursery bed preparation for learners with deafblindness

Overview

This resource provides a practical, step-by-step guide for establishing a nursery bed, designed specifically to support learners with deafblindness. It emphasizes hands-on support, safety, tactile learning, and inclusive teaching practices. The activity aims to build vocational skills in agriculture, improve motor coordination, and support future income-generating activities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this activity, the learner should be able to:

• Identify and use common farming tools safely and appropriately.
• Prepare and manage a nursery bed using step-by-step guidance.
• Understand the importance of good soil preparation, watering, and seedling care.
• Participate meaningfully in agricultural activities as part of vocational training.

Materials and Tools Required

• Hoe (jembe)
• Rake
• Pegs or sticks for marking
• Manure or compost
• Mulch (dry grass or banana leaves)
• Watering can or container
• Shade material (light cloth, branches, or poles)
• Seeds for planting (e.g. coriander)
• String or ruler for measuring
• Object of reference for each tool or step (e.g. sample seeds, mini hoe, mulch)
• Calendar system or visual/tactile schedule

Teaching Approach

Support should be individualized based on the learner’s sensory and communication needs. Use a combination of the following:

• Hand-under-hand and hand-over-hand guidance
• Object-based communication
• Consistent verbal cues
• Tactile demonstration and modeling
• Opportunities for repetition and guided practice
• Sensory feedback (touching soil, water, plants)

Step-by-Step Process

1. Introduction to tools and safety

Introduce the learner to each tool by allowing them to explore its shape, texture, and function using touch. Demonstrate how to hold the hoe correctly and explain safety rules, such as not pointing tools at others and keeping a stable stance when digging.

2. Soil preparation

Support the learner to dig and turn the soil using the hoe. Explain that digging loosens the soil, making it easier for water and air to circulate. Encourage the correct posture and safe handling of the hoe with guidance.

3. Measuring and marking the nursery bed

Help the learner measure the bed dimensions using a stick or string. A standard nursery bed is usually 1 meter wide and of variable length depending on available space. Mark corners with pegs/sticks and outline the bed clearly.

4. Applying and mixing manure

Guide the learner to spread manure evenly across the bed. Use a rake to mix it thoroughly with the soil. Explain that manure adds nutrients which help seeds grow strong and healthy.

5. Levelling the bed

Demonstrate how to level the bed using a rake. This ensures uniform soil depth and improves water retention and seedling support. Use light push-pull motions and offer hand-under-hand support.

6. Marking furrows for planting

Using a stick or ruler, support the learner to mark shallow lines across the bed. Furrows should be approximately 15 cm apart. This step ensures organized planting and proper spacing for seed growth.

7. Planting the seeds

Support the learner to place seeds (e.g., coriander) into the furrows using finger-pinch grasp or a small container. Emphasize even spacing and gentle handling of the seeds. Guide them to lightly cover the seeds with soil using their hands.

8. Mulching

Assist the learner in applying a layer of dry grass or banana leaves over the bed. Mulch protects the seeds from heavy rain and helps retain moisture in the soil. Explain why this step is important and offer tactile examples.

9. Watering the bed

Demonstrate watering techniques using a watering can. Watering should occur every morning and evening to maintain consistent soil moisture. Support the learner to feel the water and assess the moistness of the soil.

10. Creating a shade cover

Build a shade structure about one meter above the bed using poles and cloth or branches. Explain that the shade protects seedlings from direct sun and rain. The shade should remain for three to four days, or until seedlings sprout.

11. Weeding and maintenance

Support the learner to identify and remove weeds by touch. Reinforce which plants are wanted and which are not. Bring weeds close for better identification by learners with low vision. Regular weeding prevents unwanted plant competition and supports healthy seedling growth.

Why This Activity Matters

• Promotes hands-on agricultural skills development
• Supports independence, responsibility, and decision-making
• Offers a foundation for income-generating work
• Encourages connection to nature and environmental care
• Reinforces sensory exploration and structured routine

Tips for Interveners

• Use clear, consistent gestures, signs, or tactile signals.
• Provide hand-under-hand or hand-over-hand support.
• Reinforce routine steps using object cues or tactile schedules.
• Offer breaks, encouragement, and praise frequently.

Next Steps and Continuity

Once the seedlings have sprouted and are strong enough, the learner can be supported to transplant them into the main garden or seedbed. This is another valuable opportunity for learning, as it introduces concepts like plant spacing, root handling, and ongoing plant care.

To ensure continued skill development and participation:

• Repeat the nursery process regularly with new seeds to reinforce learning and build confidence.
• Encourage involvement in the full plant cycle, from nursery to harvest, to deepen understanding of agriculture as a livelihood.
• Incorporate record-keeping using tactile calendars, pictorial charts, or object symbols to track watering, weeding, and transplanting.
• Assign age-appropriate responsibilities related to garden care, fostering independence and ownership.

Over time, these steps help the learner become more familiar with agricultural routines and create opportunities for long-term engagement in vocational activities.