farmer fridays by Rhonda Barlow, MPH, RD, LD, CLC
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n this cool and crisp Friday afternoon the word “farmer” is repeatedly called out in a singsong way as the students in Ms. Bostic’s pre-K class venture from raised bed to tree to several other interesting activities in the Shuman Elementary school garden. If you were not listening closely, you might think the word “farmer” is part of a word game they are playing; but, if listening carefully to the children, you soon realize that “farmer” is a person. This person -- Farmer, a.k.a. Sandra Cason -- is a local Master Gardener. Every Friday afternoon, Cason comes to the school to assist teachers with the practical part of teaching gardening and nutrition across the curriculum using the school garden. Master Gardner Cason started the Farmer Friday Program as a way to celebrate Farm to School Month this past October. Because it was well received by the teachers at the school, she has continued offering the service. The lessons are geared to the needs of the teacher and the interest of the students. This day’s activities allowed the students to check in on the progress of their snow peas, cabbage, and carrots they had previously planted in their designated class raised bed and to plant sugar-snap peas. The students enjoyed a practical lesson in how seeds are distributed and even participated by pulling the fluffy white butterfly weed seeds from the plant, blowing them, and watching the seeds sail through the air. During a pre-k level talk as to why earthworms live in the compost pile, most of the girls squealed as the students were offered the opportunity to touch the wiggly earthworms. The students picked flowering stems of pineapple sage to take for a “show and tell” at home. If you would like to get involved with the gardening education effort, donate supplies or give your time at Shuman Elementary School Garden please contact Sandra Cason at 912-272-3081.
wellf edsava nna h. c om | feed 15