CSA at Willowdale Farm: Kindergarten Explores Community-Supported Agriculture

CSA at Willowdale Farm:
Kindergarten Explores Community-Supported Agriculture

As part of their plant and animal study unit, our Kindergarten class enjoyed a sunny day at Willowdale Urban Farm learning all about weather patterns, agricultural cycles, and sustainable farming practices--a field trip that beautifully illustrates the power of hands-on, multidisciplinary learning.

While there, the students spent time harvesting turnips, a task that taught them about the different parts of plants and the importance of roots in nourishing growth. Planting potatoes provided an opportunity to learn about planting techniques and the conditions necessary for crops to thrive. The visit to the greenhouse was a highlight, as students observed the stages of plant growth and discovered how controlled environments support agriculture year-round.

Throughout the day, they gained insight into how food is grown and the care needed to sustain healthy crops. They also explored the concept of farm-to-table, understanding how the food they eat starts as seeds in the ground and ends up on their plates.

Reflecting on the trip, Kindergarten Assistant Teacher Jenny Kennen shared, “Our visit to Willowdale was a wonderful extension of our plant and animal unit. The class was so engaged and excited to see and touch all the concepts we've been talking about in class. One thing we know for certain is that Friends School students love their environmental ed lessons and their energy on this day was unmatched!"

While seemingly small in nature, this trip to Willowdale is in fact a greater testament to our commitment to providing a holistic education that goes beyond the traditional classroom. By integrating subjects like science, social studies, and environmental education into real-world experiences, we nurture our students' natural curiosity and foster a love of learning that is intentional multidisciplinary and interactive. We are incredibly proud of our Kindergartners for their enthusiasm and engagement, and we look forward to many more adventures that blend learning with hands-on discovery.