Just because the calendar has turned into October, the weather is still relatively nice. Most schools have been going for a few weeks. A lot of schools start in August, which seemed to be a huge mistake, especially in 2020.
Outdoor learning is considered safer during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Students can spread out and learn in a safer environment.
Learning about seeds and growing plants would be a great exercise. A garden would be helpful but most schools don't have gardens. Farmers markets would be a good way to learn about food. Farmers can't be as participatory as they would be outside the pandemic. Students can't touch the food.
You could have virtual field trips with students in the classroom doing a video conference with a farm where students can see the process and then ask questions.
The pandemic is a good opportunity to think creatively about teaching children. Use that time to get them engaged about growing food and how food grows.
BalanceofFood.com farmers market coverage
Farmers markets before the pandemic were a joy because they were a land of "yes." They would answer questions. They had time to answer those questions. Want a sample? They would sample.
Farmers markets in a pandemic are a lot of "no." No, we don't take cash (or credit). No, we don't have samples. No, you can't just reach across and take a tomato.
Understand that the farmers and workers at farmers markets don't want to say "no." Like grocery store workers, they don't get to set the rules in a pandemic.
Be kind to them. Know your farmer is a good rule outside a pandemic but also relevant and helpful during a pandemic. Developing a relationship can hopefully carry to a world where farmers markets can become a land of "yes" once again.
photo credit: me
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