A farm is for harvesting. –Jules Moutafin, kindergarten student
Mount Madonna School (MMS) preschool and kindergarten (PreK) and second grade students were fortunate to be invited to visit an organic farm. Lonely Mountain Farm, a beautiful organic farm in Watsonville, is run by Molly and Kenny Baker, parents of a current MMS student.
An important focus of the MMS Pre/K curriculum is exploring where food comes from and helping our students become aware of the powerful connection that exists between them and the Earth. Throughout the school year the children observe the cycles of nature by spending plenty of time exploring the outdoors and then making original life cycle and identification books from what they learn. The children also help to tend their class garden and work together to bake their own snacks.
Visiting a real organic farm allows the children to experience first-hand where their food comes from. The children prepare for this field trip through stories about different kinds of farms and discussions that help the children understand that every food that they enjoy grew on a farm somewhere in the world. After the field trip, the children reflect upon their farm experience in their drawing journals.
At Lonely Mountain Farm, the children enjoyed a beautiful fall morning exploring together. They were able to see how different crops grow, and even harvest different vegetables to enjoy right there. They met the resident goats and chickens, and learned about all of the important plants and animals that support the health of an organic farm. Each student had the opportunity to plant some seeds and was gifted with seeds to take home and sow in their own garden.
“Food comes from seeds and you need sun and rain and dirt,” observed kindergarten student Kylie Hanover. “I planted carrots and I gave them water.”
“I liked going and seeing the goats,” said kindergartner Jasper Magill. “I didn’t want to leave! I liked seeing and eating the mini cucumbers. I liked going and seeing the chickens because they were so cute!”
“I ate a carrot and it was yummy,” added classmate Dahlia Bell.
The elementary students and faculty are so grateful to be able to visit this lovely and educational working farm! We are grateful for the wonderful support of our parent community and the graciousness of our hosts.
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By Hema Walker, Preschool/Kindergarten Director
Photos by Hema Walker and Kami Pacheco
Contact: Leigh Ann Clifton, Director of Marketing & Communications,
Nestled among the redwoods on 355 mountaintop acres, Mount Madonna is a safe and nurturing college-preparatory school that supports students in becoming caring, self-aware and articulate critical thinkers, who are prepared to meet challenges with perseverance, creativity and integrity. The CAIS and WASC accredited program emphasizes academic excellence, creative self-expression and positive character development. Located on Summit Road between Gilroy and Watsonville.
