I think I finally hit pay dirt! For the first time since I have been at my school, my teachers were excited at a workshop given on campus! I had invited (actually begged) Ag (agriculture) in the Classroom to come to my school, and my teachers responded beautifully.
I attended a workshop titled Ag in the classroom over the summer, with Beth Reynolds and Angela Bagwell, who allowed us to experience cooking that was related to curriculum. Yesterday, these two wonderful and generous ladies talked to the teachers at my school about how they integrate agriculture into their classrooms, and how easy it is to allow students to cook while they learn.
The hands-on demonstration included making apple waffle cookies using a waffle iron, and a no-cook station making butter. The teachers enjoyed working collaboratively to measure, mix, shake, and cook. From my perspective, I saw teachers talking about different cooking projects they've tried in the classroom, I heard kindergarten teachers give several examples of how they use cooking to enhance their curriculum, and I had someone ask if they were really allowed to do this in their classrooms. The answer is...YES! Please introduce students to agriculture, how it grows, how it is used, and how we benefit from it. (As long as it covers your standards!)
I'm currently writing a grant to turn in to the South Carolina Farm Bureau so that kindergarten and first grade would receive a communal raised strawberry patch, along with each teacher receiving a crock pot to make strawberry jam. I will keep you updated as to whether I receive the grant or not!
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Great workshop! Faculty members were happy, engaged, and excited about cooking and tasting the finished product.
ReplyDeleteI grew up on a dairy farm until I was about thirteen, and I know the importance of growing, harvesting and preserving food. Many children in the 21st century need to learn these basics. This being said, I am delighted to be able to add this dimension in my classroom. So far this year my students have made ice cream in a bag, and I’ve made popcorn for them with an old fashioned Whirly Pop. Also my students have had fun watching the pumpkin grow in the butterfly garden. We are having fun learning!
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