We owe our children more than letting them believe that carrots come pre-packed from the supermarket, milk comes in plastic bottles, and bread in a bag. Inner city children in particular, but also children from rural areas, often hold these beliefs, and it is our duty to educate them and teach them otherwise. An educational but fun way to do this, is by taking them on farm visits. Farm visits open a whole new world to children. Learning, as it were, from farm to fork. Seeing first-hand how our food is actually grown or reared, and teaching children about the journey the food then takes before it arrives on their plate! Seeing where our eggs come from!
Education of this ilk encompasses empathy and caring, being kind and unselfish, and the commitment involved in looking after animals and the land. It can be a real eye opener for kids, learning for example, that there is more than one type of cow! Watching a milking station at work will soon put to rights the misconception that milk starts life in a bottle!
Stereotypical myths can be dispelled. Often children expect only men to be farmers!
It can be an emotionally uplifting experience for a child to handle small animals such as lambs, rabbits, piglets, and kids (the baby goat variety that is!) For some children, it can be their first visit to a farm and the countryside. Life beyond the laptop! These hands-on visits can have a lasting effect when coupled with the environs of the classroom at school.
Interestingly, farm visits can have an influence on parents too. Buying locally sourced produce, purchasing from farm shops, or choosing organically grown crops.
In 1976, children’s author Michael Morpurgo with his wife Clare, established the charity ‘Farms for City Children’ with the primary aim of providing children from inner city areas, experience of the countryside. The programme involves children spending a week at a countryside farm.
Source: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farms_for_City_Children
Whether from school, or by taking our own children and grandchildren, visits to farms can give rise to life-affirming moments in a child’s life. It is a gift we can give them.