The PSK students have enjoyed being introduced to the animals in a hands-on experience at the SHS Farm over the fall. During their visits, under the direction of Prep Latin teacher and animal caretaker Julia McDonald, they have learned how to properly hold and feed chickens, rabbits, roosters, and turkeys.
Each year, PSK students have excitedly peered through the fences around the SHS Farm, observing the more than 50 animals living on campus during occasional classroom visits. With an already present interest, preschool teacher Anna (Moorman) Reitman (SHP ’03) worked with her colleagues to integrate it into a regular part of the curriculum. “In the past, each classroom would go to the farm whenever it worked in their schedule, but we really wanted to go and interact with the animals, and get a hands-on experience,” said Reitman. “When they go to the LMS they are able to have either responsibilities or hands-on available activities, so we thought we would introduce it at the PSK to prepare them to know how to hold a chicken, pet a rabbit, or feed the animals, and there wasn’t an element of fear.” Reitman worked with PSK Principal Cee Salberg, and Prep Latin teacher and animal caretaker Julia McDonald to develop a program for each PSK classroom to get the same experience. The five classrooms each meet McDonald at the farm on a rotating schedule, Providing the students with a level of comfort and familiarity, the PSK teachers are preparing them to be more involved with the SHS Farm & Garden as they advance through the LMS and onto the Prep. Pictured: Julia McDonald shows a preschooler how to safely hold a chicken.
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with one class visit per week. There she introduces and exposes the children to new aspects to life at the farm. “They love it!” said Reitman about the students’ reaction to going to the farm. “The first visit they were a little hesitant and some didn’t want to go into the pens. By the second visit every single student was in with the animals, feeding, holding, and petting them.