Farmer's Market for the preschool set

There are a lot of surprisingly lovely things about living in Las Vegas. The weather is ridiculous, the traffic is nonexistent, and we're within driving distance of the beach. But there are of course some negatives. I'm actually less worried about the prevalence of "working girls" at the local grocery store as I am by the lack of fresh fruits at vegetables at the same establishment. I worry that my kids won't appreciate the importance of locally-grown food because, unfortunately, most of their food isn't locally-grown.

All this wonderful worry prompted Farmer's Market week at school.

We started discussing farms and food on Monday, weaving it into the remaining curriculum (2 weeks to go!).

Reading "The Vegetables are Sleeping"

"Where is Thumbkin?"

We utilized some play cash registers and play food to create a farmer's market. The kids took turns shopping and selling the food while we asked questions to the "farmers." It was a good example of intentional play, and the kids did great. I can tell this type of role playing will be even better next year.

Shopping

Noah selling lettuce

Addison ringing up some bread

We incorporated some Montessori tactics into snack time. Using these cool placemats my mom brought me, the kids each had a role in preparing snack. Addison and Annabelle set the table, Jack got everyone water, Noah washed and separated the grapes and Eisley cut the cheese (hehehe).

We worked in some writing practice and fine motor skill development with a glue-the-corn-on-the-cob activity. We wrapped up the day with a little game of "seed, sprout, or salad".

Seed...

...sprout... (salad (not pictured) was essentially a crazy, mixed up shake)

On Thursday we made our way to Springs Preserve to visit the Bet on the Farm farmer's market. Founded by chef Mario Batali (among others), this truly is the best farmer's market in the Vegas area. The farmers were SO wonderfully nice to the kids, taking time to let us smell and feel flowers and produce. We even got a lead on an organic farm in Vegas proper that offers school tours and activities (Cowboy Trail Farm: www.cowboytrailfarm.com).