If you can’t take your early learners out to the farm or market, why not bring the farm experience into the classroom? Here are some great ways to introduce farm-to-table lessons this June.
On Earth Day, we had the joy of bringing the farm experience directly to the children of Kids of Character Learning Center, LLC in Livingston, Alabama. With 7 dedicated teachers and nearly 40 bright, energetic students, the day was filled with hands-on discovery, laughter, and learning—all led by local farmer Shelia Daniels of Sowing and Growing.
Springtime in Alabama brings a burst of life to garden space, and there’s no better time to bring young children into the garden to learn, explore, and create. For early childhood educators, gardening offers rich, hands-on experiences that nurture curiosity, responsibility, and healthy habits. And guess what? You don’t even need a kitchen to turn these garden moments into snack-time fun.
May is a wonderful month for young children to explore the garden! The weather is warm, plants are blooming, and insects are busy doing their work. Gardening in the classroom or outdoor space helps children develop responsibility, observation skills, and a connection to the natural world.
May is one of the most exciting months at the farmer’s market! Spring crops are in full swing, and the stalls are bursting with fresh produce, vibrant flowers, and homemade treats. From juicy strawberries and crisp lettuce to fresh eggs and handmade soaps, this month offers something for everyone.
Farm to ECE activities are successful with a team effort, especially when families are involved! Engaging families in your Farm to ECE activities, whether it is gardening, food and farm education, or local food purchasing, can be beneficial for your ECE program, as well as the families and children you serve. This blog post includes tips for involving families in your activities this spring!
This month, let’s bring the farmers market and garden into the classroom with fun, hands-on activities that introduce children to fresh, seasonal foods while building important skills like observation, fine motor development, and curiosity about the world around them.
Spring at the farmers market is full of vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and the excitement of new seasonal produce. It’s the perfect time to get kids involved in meal preparation—starting with selecting their own ingredients at the market! Cooking together helps children develop confidence in the kitchen, explore new flavors, and build a lifelong appreciation for fresh, local food.
March is National Nutrition Month! The theme for this year is “Food Connects Us.” Food is a beautiful way that we can connect to one another through culture and community.
As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, farming may seem like something that only happens in warmer months. But in Alabama, winter farming is just as important as any other season, with farmers growing cold-hardy crops and caring for animals year-round. For early childhood educators, this time of year presents a wonderful opportunity to introduce young children to the world of winter farming and help them understand where their food comes from, even when it’s cold outside.
