Written by Alicia Jordan, Boots on the Farm Consulting
One thing I love about Farm to ECE is that we can take learning beyond the classroom. A trip to the farmers market can be a BIG experience for little learners.
Think about everything children can see at a farmers market: farmers, fruits, vegetables, different colors, shapes, smells, baskets, signs, money, and people in their community. They also get to see that the food we talk about in the classroom is real food grown by real people.
Before your visit, talk with the children about what a farmer does. Ask them what they think they might see at the market. You may be surprised by their answers!
Once you arrive, slow down and let the children explore with their senses. Ask: What colors do you see? What vegetable is this? Have you eaten this before? Which one is bigger? Can you find something green? Who grew this food?
If possible, let the farmer speak directly to the children. Even a short conversation can make a lasting connection between the farmer, the food, and the child. And remember, you don’t have to purchase a lot. Choose one seasonal fruit or vegetable for the class to investigate or taste together.
Short Activity: Find My Fall Food!
Before leaving for the market, give the children a simple mission:
- Find one green vegetable.
- Find one red food.
- Find something with seeds.
- Find something that grows in the ground.
- Find a farmer and say hello!
Back in the classroom, talk about what everyone discovered. If you purchased a vegetable, cut it open and let the children examine the inside before tasting it. Ask one final question: “Who helped grow our food?” Hopefully, you’ll hear one very important answer: “A FARMER!”
That’s Farm to ECE helping children make connections between the classroom, the garden, the farmer, and the food on their plate.
Happy September, and happy growing!
