Friday, September 16, 2016

Welcome Back To The Farm Week


Oh how the kiddos love their farm lesson each week! All classes came out to see what is growing and what we needed to do in preparation of planting next week. Many class beds were empty, except for the nutgrass, which tends to take over. The kids loved pulling them out, making sure to get the roots so that we don't have weed invaders when the crops take root.






 Since our bodies are made up of mostly water, we are promoting the health benefits of drinking water vs sugary beverages. All grades got a taste of okra and lemon basil water. Ask them how they liked it.



Kinder is learning about their senses of sight, smell, touch and taste.


First and Second grade friends took scientific notes from observations that they made.




Third grade is studying inherited traits, so we found parent plants and their offspring. We learned about various types of seed dispersal (wind, water, animals) as well.





Fourth grade is studying weathering and erosion. Ask them about the "Erosion Tree" and take a look at it next time you are on the playground. Check out the slope and path of least resistance that caused this to happen.


Fifth grade connected map skills and sense of place by making a human map of the world. See if they can point out directionality (North - South - East - West) from your home. Remind them to consider the direction that our school faces and see if they can apply that. Ask them about "Never Eat Soggy Waffles" (the way to remember the order of directions going clock wise). Sense of place is an important lifeskill.


Sixth grade learned about the herb business that they inherited from the kids who launched it last year. We have actually turned a profit in the first 6 months of doing business. If you are at the Dallas Farmers Market, you can check out our specialty herbs at Market Provisions. They have  a booth outside in the Shed, as well as a storefront inside the Market building. The herbs that don't get sold are donated to the WIC program for low income families to enjoy farm fresh herbs too.


We also held our fist Growing With Gardeners, where our beloved Master Gardeners shared their garden know-how with interested parents. Be on the lookout for these fun monthly events that happen right after drop off. Child care is available with Farmer Kim activities.



This is going to be a great year of learning and making life long connections on the farm. E I E I O..,


Tuesday, May 10, 2016

A Peep At The Coops 2016


A Peep At The Coops urban chicken coop tour has a history that goes back for the past 7 years. Originally this funky chicken lovers tour was initiated by our friends at Edible Magazine, then passed on to Stonewall Gardens. This year it landed in our lap and we loved taking on the role of "Headquarters". It was an amazing day with great weather, people, food, entertainment, artisans and all things chicken. Thanks to all who made this such a great success!



























Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped out all day long!





Special Thanks to our sponsors who supported this amazing event! We are who we are because of the community we build!


Saturday, April 30, 2016

Botany - The Study of Plants


It's May and we have worked hard on the farm. Our seeds and transplants have been planted and it is time to start to reap our harvests. This week we did just that! To tie our farm visits into curriculum, we applied it to career investigations and learned a little bit of what a Botanist does. The classes picked onions, lettuce and snow peas. It was a great week with so much learning!