Farming with children is a wonderful way to introduce them to the wonders of nature and teach them valuable life skills.
Farming is usually introduced in Grade 3 and experienced till Grade 5. However, the current grade 6 had not experienced it properly earlier due to the pandemic, hence, this year they also experienced and helped children from these younger grades in this experience.
They experienced the end-to-end process of tilling and preparing the land, sowing, nurturing, and taking care of their crop and finally harvesting their crop. Their produce was given to our kitchen to utilize for the whole school.
Here is a brief description of the positive experiential learning gained by our children.
Cultivating the Connection with Nature: Engaging in farming activities with children is not only educational but also a great way to bond with them. Cleaning the patch together becomes a family affair as you remove weeds and prepare the soil for planting.
Planting Seeds With eager hands, children learn to plant seeds carefully, understanding the importance of spacing and depth. It is a hands-on lesson in biology and patience as they wait for those first green sprouts to emerge.
Daily Watering Rituals: Watering the plants daily quickly becomes a favourite task. Children understand the essential role water plays in plant growth, and they eagerly grab the hose or watering can, taking pride in keeping their plants hydrated.
Nurturing with Care: Every single day, children check on their plants, ensuring they are healthy and pest-free. They learn about plant care, the importance of sunlight, and the signs of a thriving garden.
Bountiful Harvests: As the weeks pass, the garden begins to yield its treasures. Children experience the joy of harvesting leafy vegetables like radishes, palak (spinach), corn and many things. Their faces light up as they pull crisp radishes from the ground or pluck fresh leaves for a salad.
Learning Life's Lessons: Through farming, children learn responsibility, patience, and the rewards of hard work. They gain an appreciation for where their food comes from and the importance of sustainable practices.
In summary, farming with children is a holistic learning experience that nurtures not only plants but also young minds, teaching them essential life skills and fostering a deep connection with the natural world.
Attached below are some glimpses of their hardships & joy in experiencing this activity…
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