Hands-on learning: Barkley Bridge hosts Farm Day to give students real-life agricultural experience
Students at Barkley Bridge Elementary got a hands-on lesson in farm life on Friday during the school’s Farm Day event, an immersive experience designed to educate kindergarten through fourth-grade students about agriculture and its role in their daily lives.
“This is an event for our entire school to enrich kids about farm life,” Ali Smith, a teacher at Barkley Bridge said. “We’re trying to give the kids as many experiences as we can.”
The day featured a variety of interactive stations, allowing students to get up close with real farm animals, ask questions and even sit on a tractor. Representatives from the state’s agricultural board provided insight into farming operations, while a local beekeeper taught students about the importance of bees in agriculture.
One of the most popular stations gave students the chance to make and taste fresh butter, providing a tangible connection between farm production and the food on their tables.
Retired Crestline teacher Barb Helton organized the event. She held an annual Ag Day during her tenure at the school that she said was well-loved and attended.
Retired Hartselle educator Barb Helton helped organize the event. She held a similar Ag Day annually at Crestline Elementary.
Helton, who has a grandson at Barkley Bridge, said she was honored to help pull together the event she called a great success.
“There are a lot of logistics that go into planning an event like this and it takes everyone working together to make it successful,” she said, adding Bradley Hopkins and the Morgan County Farmers Co-op played a big role in the day.
“(Mr.) Hopkins loaned us the panels for the animal pens and picked them up, so without them this would have been impossible.
Helton said it’s important for children to know where their food comes from.
By bringing the farm to the classroom, Smith said Barkley Bridge hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for agriculture and the work that goes into producing the food and products people use every day.
