There’s something magical about stepping into a space where the seasons dictate what’s available, and the produce is as fresh as it gets. If you’re not already a farmers’ market regular, let me tell you why you might want to start—and what you can expect to find this season.
September has always held a special place in my heart as an early childhood educator. It’s a time of new beginnings—fresh faces in the classroom, the excitement of a new school year, and the start of cooler weather that breathes new life into our garden. For me, the garden is not just a place to grow plants, but a vibrant classroom where young children can explore, learn, and connect with nature in meaningful ways.
This article has been written by Alicia Jordan, a partner of the Alabama Farm to ECE Coalition. Alicia is a dedicated small farmer with a
The warm months of summer are a time of abundance and growth, especially on farms and in programs that offer gardening experiences in Alabama. For children, this season offers a unique opportunity to learn about where their food comes from and to experience the joys of harvesting fresh produce.
As a Boots on the Farm consultant, Alicia Jordan has the privilege of seeing firsthand how nature can positively impact children. Gardening is not just about planting seeds and harvesting vegetables; it’s a powerful tool for sensory exploration and learning.
Planting seeds with young children can be a fun and educational experience that introduces them to the wonders of nature and growing plants. Here are some tips to make the process engaging and safe for young children.
This past fall, Auburn University of Montgomery (AUM)’s Early Learning Center took part in the Farm to ECE Learning Collaborative! Being involved in the Learning Collaborative has sparked a love for gardening among them, especially for Lead Teacher Chelsea. Chelsea now shares what she learns every day about gardening with the children in her classroom.
March is National Nutrition Month, which means it’s a great time to talk to your kids about the importance of eating nutritious meals to promote strong growth, proper sleep, and a healthy lifestyle. A fun and interactive way to start the conversation would be to have kids get involved in the kitchen.
With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, it’s time to start planning for the holiday! A great way to celebrate with your program is by serving Thanksgiving-themed meals and snacks. Most of the traditional Thanksgiving staples can be made with fresh fruits and vegetables that can be sourced from your local farmers! We will share some ideas for foods to purchase at your local farmers market as you prepare for this month’s festivities.
Gardening activities are a great way to get children involved with nature while teaching them about how things grow! Children can learn scientific concepts, cooperation skills, and more when taking part in gardening tasks and activities. It can be intimidating to start a garden if you have never done it before, so here are some tips for getting started!
Enriching the quality of early learning experiences for children and supporting the Alabama food economy.
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