Real Life Learning on the Farm
An intensive method of farm-based education
Children of a primary school visit a farm within cycling distance of the school and are working and learning with their class at that farm for one year (approx. 20 sessions during 20 days). Through repetition and rhythm in the farm work the children are deepening their learning experiences.
In the authentic learning environment on the farm children learn in a different way and they learn about other topics than is possible in a school. Students learn at the FarmSchool by doing practical work and work that is necessary to carry out. The work and activities on the farm provide a variety of direct
learning experiences for children. This fits in with the various disciplines and targets of the primary school. Various qualities such as handiness, courage and care are needed on a farm. Children are looking back at the farm and in the classroom to their learning experiences. In looking back the children are harvesting their learning experiences. The brochure "Real life learning on the farm- the education concept of the FarmSchool" provides schools understanding over how the real life learning matches the existing pedagogical-didactic policy of the school.
The schools
Which schools?
The FarmSchool is for schools that choose for real life learning. The FarmSchool is working with
primary schools that want to teach children love and respect for the earth, the plants and the animals. Schools that are willing to integrate the educational concept of the FarmSchool in their own curriculum.
Schools that want to work on integration of subjects as world studies, geography, language, math, engineering and craftsmanship.
What does the FarmSchool offer?
The FarmSchool Foundation assists the school in launching and developing of farm-based education suitable for your school. They help you to find a suitable farm and assist the cooperation between teacher and farmer. There is a manual available for participating schools and a educational concept. There are participating 20 schools in cooperation with 20 different farms throughout the hole contry in 2011.
What are the experiences of the schools?
• The FarmSchool is a true enrichment of our education.
• We have gratefully benefited of the experiences of other schools that work with the FarmSchool.
The farmers
What farmers?
The FarmSchool is particularly suitable for those farmers that want to transfer their love for nature, for the earth, the plants, the animals and their enthusiasm for life and work on the farm to children.
What does the Farm School offer?
The FarmSchool Foundation offers expert guidance, training and advice to farmers who start a FarmSchool. An experienced consultant helps you with advice and support. Questions you can discuss with the consultant are: What do you offer as a program on my farm? How can I work
together with the school and the teacher in the best way? What are de do’s and don’ts within farm-based education at the FarmSchool? What type of farm-based education fits me and my farm? There also is a manual available for participating farmers.
What are the experiences of farmers?
• Receiving the children almost weekly on our farm brings many life and vivacity on the farm.
• The children make me look in a different way, with more wonder at my own farm.
The children
Which children?
The FarmSchool is suitable for children with different learning styles and talents. For children who are “picture smart, body smart, word smart, logic smart, self smart, people smart, music smart and nature smart”. For children who want to use all their senses; children who want to look, to feel, to taste, to smell and hear. For children who love soil and children who believe soil is dirty.
What does the FarmSchool offer?
The FarmSchool offers children a vivid way of learning. At the FarmSchool children get in contact with nature by developing caring relationships with soil, plants and animals. They learn to really work together with other children. Working on the farm strengthens the will and perseverance of the children.
What are the experiences of children?
• On the farm you operate as a group, everyone's part of it.
• Usually there’s a lot going on in my mind and then - when I arrive at the farm - then things become just a lot quieter. (...) Because you’re just working outside and loosening up.
For more information, please see
www.Boerderijschool.nl.
Or contact:
FarmSchool Foundation
Ronald Heusschen
p / a Het Zwanevlot 156
7206 CJ Zutphen
The Netherlands
31652421084
R.Heusschen@telfort.nl
