Nature Connections

The first signs of fall appeared this week on our new Chinese Pistachio tree. This aligned perfectly with our Kinder friends  and their science study of trees. We took a tree walk and learned about some of the trees near the farm. They examined each tree and shared their thoughts, and really loved hugging the trees!

Other student farmers put on their Botanist caps and studied many different things that are happening on the farm. Some sketched their garden plots and noted which plants were thriving, which ones weren't and made predictions about why that was happening. Third grade studied plant structure and function, by pulling a weed and then sketching and labeling the plant parts. Then some special insect friends visited and the kids documented them in their journals too. 

I have only seen about 5 praying mantis' in my lifetime and the kids happened upon this garden friend this week.  None of them had ever seen one before. We talked about the importance of observing and not disturbing, so they gathered around to sketch this cool creature.

The fall Monarch migration is happening right now and we see 50 or so each day. Our farm has just what they need: Mexican Milkweed, Lantana and water. They are beautiful! Stop by in the afternoon to watch them fly.

This year, all the teachers are coming to the farm during their planning time for lessons that will help them connect lessons to nature. Intermediate teachers had a great time in the coop!

It was a great week of discovery! 

Exploring With Senses - Garlic Planting - Supporting Local Agriculture

We had another wonderful week on the farm.  Our Kinder friends used all of their senses that they have been studying to connect to things growing on the farm. Ask them how lemon grass and mint tastes or how fresh basil smells. Ask them how cotton feels and what ladybugs and aphids look like. We are so thankful for farm learning and the curriculum connectors that take place everyday!

Teamwork goes hand in hand when planting garlic. Our farmers learned the difference between a garlic clove and a garlic bulb, then they predicted how many cloves were in a bulb, checked their predictions and planted them in their garden bed. They also learned a little bit about the history of garlic. It has been used as food and medicine for over 7,000 years and originated in China. Look for loads of garlic on the farm in May. #Yum 

Sixth grade students are learning about what it means to support local agriculture and living local. There have been some lively discussions and thoughtful insights that they brought to the table. Find out what they are learning about agriculture in the United States. It is interesting for sure!

We hope that you stop by to check out our fall crops. Our kids are very proud of the work that they are doing on the farm!  Ask them about it.

Lessons From Our Flock

When asked "Why do you have chickens at a school?", I can give several answers. Our poultry program has been at our school for the past 4 years. They continue to be the highlight of farm visits during school and after school. Chickens teach us how to care for animals. They teach us about cycles. We have rules and procedures in place and the kids learn why those are important. Our flock teaches us many life lessons as well. Chickens have a pecking order or a boss of the coop. They also have one that is at the bottom of the order, who is picked on. Think- Sibling order.., its the same with chickens. 
Here are some thoughts that were created from observing feathered friends.

Fine feathers don't mean you can fly.

Henpecked.

Don't count your chickens before they've hatched

Chick flick

Caught with egg on your face

Rule the roost

Top of the flock

Quit your squawking 

Fussing like an old hen

Wake up with the chickens

Fly the coop

Yolks on you

Feather your nest

Don't put all your eggs in one basket

Mother hen

Madder than a wet hen

Stick your neck out

Ruffle your feathers

Bird brain

Strutting your stuff

Bad egg/Good egg

Being "chicken"

This week we learned about many chicken terms, body parts of chickens, breeds, egg colors and characteristics of our flock. Our 6th graders learned about marketing and the power of words. They can talk to you about "cage free", "free range" and "pasture raised" eggs. If you want the best eggs for your family, they have the answer and the reason.

Check out the different combs that are represented in our coop. We have a Rose Comb, Pea Comb and Single Comb. Pretty cool science lessons!

 Stop by and see them for yourself. You will be in love too!

Ask your kids about their farm lesson this week. It was great!