The Shaders Learn About Orchards

The Shaders Learn About Orchards

This Mother Goose Time unit could not have come at a better time in our lives, as we now live in Visalia, CA. If you don't know much about the central valley of California, there are a TON of beautiful orchards here! I was so excited to cover this week with the kiddos because not only would they learn more letters and numbers, they would learn and try new healthy foods. The beauty of homeschool is: FIELD TRIPS! We got out twice to enjoy learning more about orchards in the central valley.

This week the kids learned about apples, lemons, oranges, plums and cherries. Mother Goose Time always has really cute art projects to go with each topic. This is the kids favorite part of the day... They love to create things!

Oranges

Apples 

A bird in a tree :)

The children's museum here in town has an entire section dedicated to orchards and trees, so we made a point to visit here as well. The kids LOVED this part of the museum and spent a lot of time sorting and picking the "fruit."

The very BEST part of the whole week, was the opportunity we had to visit Jackson Family Farms in Kingsburg, CA. The kids (and I!) learned so much on this field trip! We all ate fresh organic fruit from the orchards (pomegranates, figs, persimmons, and of course apples). What a treat! I was SHOCKED at the new foods my picky eaters were willing to try.  We left with full hearts and bellies. It was an absolute joy for the children and I to be in the country again and spend time with people who love Jesus and the farm animals there.

Also, going to the orchard gave me a unique perspective on what my children already knew about orchards and trees. I was able to ask the kids questions about what they knew and I was surprised at how much they had caught on to the concepts! Jonathan was able to tell me the parts of a tree, what fruits might grow in an orchard, how roots work, and even the beginning stages of photosynthesis. It was a different way for me to assess what he knew... and much more fun than pen and paper!

Yummy apples!

"Farmer Rob" is the owner of the orchards

He was such a wonderful tour guide!

Hope loved their big dog!

Grass fed chickens roamed free

Thank you, Jackson Family Farm!

I am so thankful to Mother Goose Time for giving us the chance to open up this whole new world to my children. We are truly blessed to have the opportunity to homeschool for preschool this year.