Early Introductions to Sensory Gardens: Infants and Toddlers

…s, or scatter birdseed. Create child size places, such as vine covered hide-a-ways or tunnels. Sight – Color, shape, visual texture, movement, light and shadow.  When planning year- round sensory experiences for children incorporate colors, shapes, light and special features throughout the year. Plant flowers of varying colors that bloom at different times of the year. Include red-leafed, soft, grey foliaged and variegated plant varieties. Make us…

Downloads

Farm Field Trips

…, teachers and farmers get the resources they need to create lasting, hands-on learning experiences. Need help getting started? The following resources include listings of family-friendly farms open to visitors and school groups, activities tailored for on-farm learning, and tips for successful farm field trips. Don’t feel left out, parents. Educational farm visits can happen any weekend and during school breaks; these resources are for you, too!…

Growing Minds Day by Day: First Week of February

…’Leary’s lived on a small farm with their cat, farm animals, and one not-so-welcome guest: a groundhog that liked to eat all of their fresh vegetables every summer. As Mr. O’Leary devises a plan to keep the groundhog from stealing all of their veggies, the readers are able to learn about life on a small farm, the changing seasons, and the mutual relationships humans share with animals. Watch a read aloud on YouTube.  Geoffrey Groundhog Predicts th…

Veggie Power

…Raw sweet potato? Kids love it! (Who would have guessed?) WNCW’s “Growing Local” program visited North Buncombe Elementary during a cafeteria taste test to record their latest episode. Have a listen to hear the responses from students and learn how you can make taste tests a reality in your school!…

Meet Your Farmer

…A video series by Growing Minds Meet some of the people who grow your food! Our Meet Your Farmer and Junior Farm Tour videos provide students and families with virtual tours of family farms in Western North Carolina. Each video is paired with complementary educational resources, including comprehension questions, lesson plans, and more….

Growing Minds Day by Day: Third Week of August

…y librarian-led read aloud here.  The Cow Who Clucked Our final farm animal-themed recommendation is The Cow Who Clucked by Denise Flemming, for preschool-2nd grade. One morning, Cow woke up to find that she had lost her moo. What’s a cow without a moo to do? Listen to the sounds on a farm and meet the many animals who call the farm home, as Cow tries to get her moo back. Watch a read aloud on YouTube.  Find more books Visit the Growing Minds’ far…

Growing Minds Day by Day: Second Week of November

…is Week in the Garden” activity guides, “Farm to School Goes Home” parent handouts, local food sourcing guidance, and tips for cooking and gardening with young children. The Toolkit is available as a hard copy, digital flip book, or free digital download here.  — That’s it for this week. Check back next week for new resources. Click here to access Day by Day resources from past weeks. If you didn’t find what you’re looking for here, please visit o…

Growing Minds Day by Day: Second Week of January

…w to use the tools successfully. Vegetable Castles (Preschool): Children become comfortable with tasting new foods in the supportive, positive environment of their preschool. Children learn about and learn to identify different types of local fruits and vegetables. Cabbage Exploration (K-2): Introduce students to cabbage and guide them in closely observing characteristics of, and tasting, several cabbage varieties. Veggie Crowns (K-2): Introduce s…

Growing Minds Day by Day: Third Week of September

…n region accept SNAP/EBT, and several markets in the Asheville area are now offering Double SNAP benefits. Find out how SNAP at markets works here. To find an Appalachian Grown farmers market near you, visit: asapconnections.org/find-local-food/farmers-markets.  — That’s it for this week. Check back next week for new resources. Click here to access Day by Day resources from past weeks. If you didn’t find what you’re looking for here, please visit…

Apply for a Farm to School Month/Food Day planning grant!

…vents that celebrate Farm to School Month and Food Day on October 24. Some examples of activities that can be supported by mini-grant funds include: Support planning meetings where students, school staff, families and community members gather to plan for their Farm to School Month/Food Day celebrations Purchase resources and materials that will be used during Farm to School Month/Food Day events Advance payment for speakers, group transportation o…

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