How do fruits and vegetables grow? Seeing fruits and vegetables growing on a tree, bush or vine can help children understand where food comes from, outside of a jar or can. U-pick farms are excellent resources to see how food grows naturally. Including children in food purchasing and preparation at a young age, helps them feel empowered with food choices. Inspire them to learn and assist in family meal preparation. In the process, they will broaden their pallet.
God’s hand touches every delicate process in the life of a plant. The slightest variation in grower error, weather or bugs can alter a harvest. Watching a seed sprout in different forms is a wonder at any age. Where ever you live, some type of fruit grows nearby. In Florida, watching fruits and vegetables grow is a trail you can blaze most any month of the year.
Find a u-pick farm, a friend who has a garden, or giving it a try as a family or co-op. This type of lesson can extend the rail of learning to other fascinating possibilities and a garden ready to harvest.
Our family tradition has been to visit the same strawberry farm with family; which is a good “cousin photo op”, and yummy strawberry shortcake to conclude the day. As children grew and matured our adventures became lessons in life skills. Measurement, weight, harvest, cost per pound, farming and marketing are skills we learn from growing food.
Find a local place to visit with family and friends. Take photographs and create memories to share year after year. This will stay in your children’s hearts long after they leave your home. Traditions are a part of what makes a family. It may be the one time a year you get together with certain friends or family members. The photographs of my boys at Oak Haven Farms began when my oldest was four years old. They are some of my most treasured memories. Pick a local spot that can involve the whole family and start a new tradition of your own!
Art lessons:
Math lessons:
Science lessons:
Blueberries for Sal, Robert McCloskey
Strawberry Girl, Lois Lenski
Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear, Don Wood
Blueberry Train, C.L.G. Martin
Blueberry Shoe, Ann Discon
A Taste of Blackberries, Doris Buchanan Smith
Blueberry Girl, Neil Gaiman
Jamberry, Bruce Degan
Blackberry Ink, Poems by Eve Merriam
Bread and Jam for Frances, Russell Hoban
Down, Down the Mountain, Ellis Credle