LEARNING FROM LIFE ON THE LAND

CRYSTAL LEU, MIDDLE SCHOOL FARM MANAGER

As “land children,” students working in Erdkinder each day have the opportunity to learn about civilization and social structures through its origin in agriculture. Working in teams, our adolescents are immersed in a world of meaningful work and interactions with peers, animals and the land. Working in the barn, greenhouse, or in the business part of Erdkinder provides an environment rich with opportunities to build a wide variety of social skills including: communication, teamwork, respect, compassion and empathy.

Social interaction skills of grace and courtesy are put into practice everyday as students navigate tasks that require them to work effectively and efficiently with others. Several of the ten Cowboy Ethics principles that we study each week are essential to working within a community. Adolescents learn to “be tough, but fair” as they work with each other caring for animals, plants or marketing the farm products. They learn how to communicate with others (including animals) with grace and dignity, within an inclusive environment, where everyone is learning important skills for life together. They practice the principle of “when you make a promise, keep it” through their commitment to the animals, plants and business that depend on their effort and

Madelyn Burtch

work ethic. Students soon learn that actions speak louder than words in communicating with their team. This is demonstrated in the principle, “talk less and say more.”

For many students this is one of the first times that they start thinking about the greater society or community and put less focus on themselves. They start to value work, be it manual or intellectual, and gain an understanding of how essential both kinds are to the sustainability of a civilized society. Time spent together allows these young adults the chance to really get to know each other and appreciate the gifts and uniqueness of each member of the community.

Erdkinder work also provides opportunities to interact with adults as students make contact with professionals in the field, prepare and market their goods, and share knowledge on farm tours. They learn to write and speak professionally as well as understand how their work on the farm, and in the micro-economy, simulates the same work in the community around them. Erdkinder experiences ensure that Oak Farm Montessori’s students of the land are well equipped to be the stewards of tomorrow and strong members of their community!

Specifically in poultry, I have learned how to be compassionate with animals I might not be as interested in, or familiar with, and even scared of sometimes. I have also learned that regardless of my fear I have to work with the animals to help keep them alive, as well as help the micro economy, because those animals are beneficial to it.

Reese Wolheter

This year I have learned that sometimes you just need to step up and just work, but with that you also need to take the time to teach people about the work. Last year in the first trimester I had a partner who I got along with very well, plus he knew a lot about animals and it was easy. Even though easy is nice, the more challenging partners teach me more. Having easy things to do or people to work with can be very good, but once in a while a challenge is good.

RILEY FITZHARRIS

I have learned leadership by learning from my previous experience and mistakes. I have also been mentored well by a previous 8th grader (Elizabeth Wolheter.) I am glad that I can pass some of my skills to the newer people and hope they do the same for the next generation of people. I have also learned teamwork and am able to work with different people with different skills too.

“A Cowboy Ethic I learned the most about is “Be Tough, But Fair”. I am not one to mess around, if something needs done, it gets done. But, sometimes I take it too far and get a little rude. I’ve been working on it and becoming more aware of how I get what I want to say across. Maybe just being stern, but knowing when it gets too much. Which also kinda correlates with “Know Where to Draw the Line.” Cowboy Ethics really teach a lot.”