A visit to the farmers market is full of excitement, colors, smells, and people bustling about. For young children, it’s more than a field trip, it’s a lesson in community, food, and culture.
Preparing for the Trip:
Talk about what grows in August and the fruits and vegetables you might see at the farmers market (okra, watermelon, corn, cucumbers).
- Practice asking questions: “What is this?” “Where did it grow?”
Assign simple jobs to each child during the visit: basket holder, question asker, greeter.
During the Trip:
Let children pick one fruit or vegetable to try back in class. Discuss how you’ll use it once you return to the classroom; from taste tests to incorporating into meals and snacks, the options are endless!
Take photos for a classroom bulletin board and title it: “Our Market Adventure”. Share pictures with families and encourage them to visit the farmers market as a family!
Post-Trip Activity Ideas:
After the trip, there are many ways to use your farmers markets finds:
- Make veggie prints by chopping vegetables in half, dipping the flat side in paint, and stamping on paper or fabric.
- Try the food in the classroom and create a “taste test” chart (thumbs up, thumbs down).
- Use collected produce for a simple snack (sliced watermelon, corn nibblers, or cucumber rounds).
Bonus Idea:
Start a “Market Memory Book” that you can add to each season. This builds continuity and encourages language development. It is also a great way to share about your program’s commitment to serving fresh, local foods!
