Farming Experience: Preparing the Field and Planting
Preschool
June 10, 2019
On May 24, Mountain class (age 4) visited a farm with the support of the same farmer, Fujimata, who had helped us the previous year.
This year, instead of only planting seedlings, the children also helped prepare the field so they could better appreciate the hard work that goes into growing vegetables.
When we arrived, weeds were still growing in the field. Fujimata explained that vegetables need soft soil, using an image the children could understand: “You like a soft, fluffy futon when you sleep too, don’t you?”
Then it was time to start work! First, we pulled out the unwanted weeds. To the children, weeding seemed much like harvesting. They were delighted, calling, “Look! I pulled out such a big one!”
After weeding, we began turning the soil. The children happily used the shovels they had brought. Those who did not yet understand what tilling meant may have experienced it as an extension of sandbox play, but touching the soil was valuable in itself. One child walking across the loosened ground said, “It is soft and hard to walk on.” For children used to firm concrete, this must have been a new sensation. Another lovely observation was, “It is fluffy! Like snow.”
While Fujimata used machinery to finish preparing the field for planting, the children planted sweet potato seedlings. Planting them horizontally was a little tricky, but children who got the hang of it kept asking, “Can I do more?”
Fujimata also kindly let the children try harvesting turnips.
Finally, we planted summer vegetables. Eggplant, tomato and green pepper seedlings went into the field the children had prepared. Some already had tiny vegetables growing on them, which the children observed with great interest.
It was a very hot day, so we could not finish all the planned planting, including corn and edamame. Even so, the visit gave the children a chance to experience both the hard work and the enjoyment of farming.
Unfortunately, we could not observe the vegetables every day, but we planned to follow their growth through photographs sent by Fujimata and look forward to the harvest.
The children and staff took home turnips harvested that day.
There were so many turnips that we still had some left after sharing them among the children and staff. We will tell you what happened to those in another article!
This year, instead of only planting seedlings, the children also helped prepare the field so they could better appreciate the hard work that goes into growing vegetables.
When we arrived, weeds were still growing in the field. Fujimata explained that vegetables need soft soil, using an image the children could understand: “You like a soft, fluffy futon when you sleep too, don’t you?”
Then it was time to start work! First, we pulled out the unwanted weeds. To the children, weeding seemed much like harvesting. They were delighted, calling, “Look! I pulled out such a big one!”
After weeding, we began turning the soil. The children happily used the shovels they had brought. Those who did not yet understand what tilling meant may have experienced it as an extension of sandbox play, but touching the soil was valuable in itself. One child walking across the loosened ground said, “It is soft and hard to walk on.” For children used to firm concrete, this must have been a new sensation. Another lovely observation was, “It is fluffy! Like snow.”
While Fujimata used machinery to finish preparing the field for planting, the children planted sweet potato seedlings. Planting them horizontally was a little tricky, but children who got the hang of it kept asking, “Can I do more?”
Fujimata also kindly let the children try harvesting turnips.
Finally, we planted summer vegetables. Eggplant, tomato and green pepper seedlings went into the field the children had prepared. Some already had tiny vegetables growing on them, which the children observed with great interest.
It was a very hot day, so we could not finish all the planned planting, including corn and edamame. Even so, the visit gave the children a chance to experience both the hard work and the enjoyment of farming.
Unfortunately, we could not observe the vegetables every day, but we planned to follow their growth through photographs sent by Fujimata and look forward to the harvest.
The children and staff took home turnips harvested that day.
There were so many turnips that we still had some left after sharing them among the children and staff. We will tell you what happened to those in another article!
Author Profile
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Reiko - Services and Community Coordinator (Japan)
Reiko joined CGK as an opening staff member after working in licensed nursery care in Japan and two international preschools, alongside volunteering at a daycare in Canada. These cross-cultural experiences shape her approach to supporting children. She values opportunities for learners to discover their interests and strengths, express themselves and broaden their possibilities through meaningful experiences.