A farm visit is an ideal educational tool for your child, showing them the many important activities that take place each day on a working farm. From caring for the animals to growing and harvesting the crops that make it into national supermarkets, a trip to the farm can be really insightful for kids and adults.
Many schools and education providers use farm trips as a way to fulfil a wide range of curriculum requirements. For example, farm visits can help your child to learn about life cycles and processes and also fulfil Early Years requirements such as helping children to understand the world around them.
Taking your kids for a day at the farm can supplement their school based education, helping to reinforce the important lessons they are being taught whilst at the same time offering a fun and exciting day out for you and your children. However, Below are 6 tips to help you make your farm visit as educational as it can be;
- Discover nature trails: Many activity farms have nature trails which are ideal for helping your little one understand seasonal changes and the lifecycle of nature. Encourage them to spot key signs such as flowers budding in spring or leaves turning colour during the autumn season.
- Feeding the animals: By participating in feeding times with animal keepers, children can learn about their nutritional needs and the importance of caring for animals correctly. Encouraging children to take a hands-on approach will help to keep their attention focused and interest them in learning about the farm.
- Visit the milking parlour: Show your child how farmers and their cows produce the milk that ends up on their cereal and in your coffee each morning! The milk industry is an important part of the day-to-day running of the country and your child will find it fascinating to see the whole process from start to finish.
- Teach children how crops are grown: Whilst at the farm make it a priority to visit the crop fields and herb gardens. Help your children to identify different herbs and vegetables and teach them the importance of having a healthy, balanced diet.
- Mini-beast/ bug hunts: Whilst enjoying the farm encourage your child to seek out and name the various insects and bugs that they come across. Perhaps keep a diary of your day with a special section dedicated to the bug hunt!
- Tree/ shrubbery identification. Some activity farms may have dedicated arboretums where you can show children the differences between tree and shrub species. If there isn’t an arboretum you could ask a member of staff if they could help you and your child recognise some of the variety of trees and bushes growing within the farm. Trees and shrubbery are an integral part of a farm, offering shade and sometimes food for the animals that live there.