Montgomery County 4-H
Do you enjoy horticulture, gardening, entomology, wildlife, recycling, water and soil science, or ecology?
If so, then Junior Master Gardener is the project for you!
The Junior Master Gardener® program is an international youth gardening program of the university cooperative Extension network. JMG involves meaningful horticultural and environmental science activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride, responsibility and community involvement. Research has shown that students that participated in JMG scored ‘significantly higher on achievement tests’ than those who did not. Please click here to view the research on the JMG program.
For more information visit www.jmgkids.us or contact the Extension Office at (936) 539-7823 ext. 3.
Junior Master Gardener Curriculum http://jmgkids.us/curriculum/
JMG is designed to be a flexible program that can be utilized by many different groups. The curriculum is research-based and has been developed by the Extension Service with teachers, administrators, and horticulture professionals. It is also aligned to teaching standards and the TEKS. Click here to see the teaching standards: http://jmgkids.us/teachers/standards/
The JMG Level One curriculum is designed for grades 3-5. Youth can explore eight chapters of novel, “hands-on” activities. The program includes a study of life-skills and career exploration then culminates the JMG experience with service learning projects and recognizes their efforts with certification as a Junior Master Gardener.
JMG Level Two allows students (grades 6-8) to participate in novel, hands-on activities focusing on Plant Growth and Development, and Soils and Water. JMG Level Two combines Teacher/Leader Guide and reproducible pages of independent student “handbook” activities into a single book. This premier program encourages youths to take part in group learning experiences and service projects in their community.
JMG Level One – Golden Ray Series includes Literature in the Garden, Wildlife Gardener, Learn Grow Eat Go, and Health and Nutrition from the Garden.
Teachers, Youth educators, program leaders, please fill out this online form to contact us about your JMG Program Questions:
Who can register as a JMG group?
School Classes, After-school Clubs, Scouts, 4-H Horticulture project groups, church classes, home school groups, etc. A minimum of 5 youth is required.
It is free to register a JMG group!
Start your own JMG class or group in your area! Here are the steps to take. You can also contact the Extension Office for more information.
1. Identify a JMG Leader/Teacher
This can be a classroom teacher, home school parent, youth leader, or anyone interested in working with youth. The JMG leader does NOT have to be a Master Gardener. If a JMG leader needs garden resources and information they can contact the county Extension service for gardening support.
2. Identify a group of youth
This may be a classroom, school group, 4-H club, home school group, or an after-school program. The program is flexible and can be offered to many different groups and in many different environments. A JMG group must have minimum of FIVE youths.
3. Obtain the JMG curriculum
Depending on the grade level of students and area of interest, there are many options! To read more about each JMG curricula, click here.
4. Register your class for free
Register your group online for free here. Groups must register each school year. Enrollment year is September 1 to August 31. You can register at any time.
5. Dig In and Get Growing!
Get ready for the first day with an engaging, hands on lesson from one of the JMG curriculum options. View even more teacher/leader resources here: http://jmgkids.us/teachers/
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions for more info!
The Junior Master Gardener program offers great flexibility in recognition certifications for youths. Once the certificate requirements are completed, sign into your JMG Group Account. You will be able to print pre-filled, personalized certificates to award to students earning certification.
JMG Certification is earned when youth complete a certain amount of JMG activities from the guides, including a combination of individual activities, group activities, and a service learning and leadership activity. Learn more about certification options: http://jmgkids.us/certifications/
The Top 12 JMG lessons http://jmgkids.us/teachers/top-12-lessons/ certification is based on completing the top 12 favorite lessons selected by teachers across the country!