Beyond the quite interesting study on outdoor fears, the article mentioned that Project Wild and other such activities belong in the classroom, and argued instead for nature centers to provide more opportunities for direct contact with the outdoors (31).
It got me to thinking, and as fun as the Turkey and the Corn game is to play, I'm wondering if the 15 minutes might be better spent taking the kids on a walk around the pond, or other ways we might include a nature experience in Farmcraft. As it stands right now, there are no direct nature experiences in Farmcraft. Sure, other programs allow students to study wetlands or spend time looking at insects and trees and the like, but it just seems that our most popular fall program should have a short experience with nature. What is it about Farmcraft at Merry Lea that separates it from a similar pioneer farm experience at museums (e.g., Greenfield Village)? The farm is situated right next to a wetland, and yet children never get to go see it. If the article is correct about urban fears and possible ways to help, it seems to be a disservice to the kids to bring them to a place of natural beauty, and not allow them to interact with any of it. It also seems to be a disservice to Merry Lee to not leverage this unique aspect of the property.
Truly, why is it about Merry Lea's Farmcraft that is unique from Historical Farm programs at other sites?
Based on this article, I would argue that another option be added to the Option Station that includes a walk to the pond, with a discussion about the historical use of land (Native Americans, Farms and Drainage, Restoration) and an opportunity to eat a wild edible like the pioneers would have (water pepper, etc) with a talk on how energy flow even reaches wild plants (not just cultivated) and an opportunity for the children to harvest wild plants (even if just picking leaves by color).
It ties in with the theme, gives students to walk around a "wild" area, and would also allow for an official alternative to the Hayloft option for children with walking disabilities.
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You should have been teaching today. We had extra time since the bus showed up 25 mins early! It was great to have extra time, to not be rushed through the stations. After eating lunch, and then going on the straw ride. We did divide back into our groups, and were able to walk around the wetland area for about 30 mins. Unfortunately, we don't often have that extra time, the stations that we are able to do are often rushed for time. We don't even have an option station all the time. We are often doing the Turkey game, while the other group is on the straw ride. Today, while our group was out around the wetland the preschoolers were doing the straw ride, immediately I saw the wisdom in separating the group that isn't on the straw ride, so there is less risk of kids darting near the tractor.
ReplyDeleteSome of those concepts are great ideas. These are questions that would challenge most adults. I found it difficult to engage the kindergartners in questions of energy flow. Often our farm craft kids are younger than some of that content would really target well. It would need to be more developed as to what ideas could really be spoken of in a very limited time, and actually target their learning at their level. The adults in my group seemed to be more engaged in walking around and asking questions about the wetland area and plants than the kids were.
During programming today, we did get Jason's idea in. As Laurina said, the group was early - unexpectedly. It was great to be able to walk the kids around the wetland with a task, during the extra time. I was so happy this occurred. Would it be fantastic to incorporate this into Farmcraft???
ReplyDeleteFor Environmental Literacy, younger students need to develop appreciation of nature. During Farmcraft they are not really IN nature. This walk would help reach/teach Environmental Literacy.
To be fair, the students do have an opportunity to get out into nature via the straw ride (albeit behind a gas-powered tractor). And unfortunately it takes about 20 minutes for me to briskly walk around the wetland, nevermind a dozen 1st graders stopping to look at different flora and fauna. With that said, I think you make a fantastic point, Jason. Perhaps this program is due for a little redesign. To paraphrase Gandhi: "Be the change you wish to see in Farmcraft"
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