Written by Alicia Jordan, Boots on the Farm Consulting, LLC
Summer is a time of growth and abundance, and even if you can’t visit a farm or market, you can bring the harvest experience into the childcare classroom!
At Boots on the Farm, we believe every child should experience the excitement of growing and tasting fresh food. In July, we focus on introducing seasonal produce through simple, hands-on activities that encourage curiosity and healthy eating habits.
Here are some ways to celebrate the summer harvest indoors:
- Tasting tray exploration: Create a tray of summer produce (like watermelon, blueberries, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes) and let children explore each item by touching, smelling, and tasting.
- Veggie stamping art: Cut peppers, okra, or potatoes in half, dip them in paint, and create colorful veggie stamp art. Make edible paint by combining yogurt, your favorite herbs and seasonings, and food coloring!
- Sprout jar experiments: Start sprouts in a clear jar so children can watch them grow day by day. You can start a variety of seeds indoors using small clear cups and track their progress over time!
- Storytime garden books: Read books about gardening and farming to spark imagination and conversation. Some of our favorite books are Anywhere Farm, Lola Plants a Garden, and The Tiny Seed!
Finish the day with a simple discussion: “Which fruit or vegetable was your favorite today? Why?” This helps build language skills and supports healthy food choices.
Even from inside the classroom, children can learn to appreciate the journey of food from seed to table, building strong connections to nature and community.
