A classic farmers’ market was in full operation at Quilchena elementary in November as students reaped the rewards of their fall harvest, all for a good cause.
Arugula, radishes, spinach, kale and green onions were some of the items sold by participating students to teachers and fellow students in order to raise $280 for the Richmond Food Bank.
Teachers Mr. Kevin Vines and Mr. Andrew Livingston “leased” garden plots to the students for $10 in order to replicate a real life farming experience for the kids, who formed a dozen student-led food companies that sold the food.
“It was a ton of fun. The kids were totally engaged and we were trying to recreate a real life experience,” said Mr.Livingston.
Students planned and designed their project, first researching what vegetables were in season, then renting tools and buying seeds (teachers represented the seed companies, selling to the student farmers.)
“They had to know what inventory they had, how they could price the vegetables, and market them, and eventually sell them,” said Mr.Livingston.
Each student company consisted of students from Grades 3-6, with the older students being the big buddies to the younger ones.
Students learned the science behind growing vegetables and also several relevant principles of mathematics. For instance, younger students learned how to count change, while the older ones performed accounting and inventory.
“Our inspiration was trying to match curriculum and having students become more engaged and take ownership,” said Mr.Livingston, noting the market was inspired by the redesigned curriculum, whereby students lead the project while teachers ensure the tenants of the curriculum are followed.
“When you turn it around and let the students inquire about what they’re learning, an even richer experience can happen instead of a teacher driven project,” said Mr.Livingston.
“It’s an opportunity to teach and learn outside the box,” added Mr.Livingston.
All the students made back their $10 lease and then some. A total of 12 companies set up tables in a classroom and marketed their products with posters and promotions (such as free samples).
Company names included: Let’s Grow, Organic Greens Co. and The Garden Guardians.
The market was so successful that students took pre-orders of garlic. That means they will have to account for their work (and the cost of the garlic seeds) at the next planned market in June.
