Grades 3-5 Sustainable Table Program
- Angela Kruger
- Apr 22
- 4 min read
In a world where everyone is becoming more conscious about food and the environment, Abbey Gardens has created a wonderful space for kids in grades 3 to 5. The Sustainable Table Program offers them hands-on, fun experiences while teaching the importance of sustainable food practices. This program merges education with practical skills, helping kids appreciate where their food comes from while having a great time.
This blog post takes a closer look at what the program entails and the memorable experiences waiting for its young adventurers.
Program Overview
The day kicks off at 9:30 AM as children arrive for a memorable experience filled with interactive activities. After a warm welcome, they get familiar with the day's schedule, creating excitement for all the learning ahead.
A quick washroom break gives the students a chance to refresh before they dive into the first activity. One highlight is the "Heritage Breed Round Up," a scavenger hunt that educates kids on heritage breeds' crucial role in farming. For example, students visit the heritage flock at Abbey Gardens, where they learn about animals like the rare Olde English Sheepdog, a breed known for its resilience and ability to adapt to sustainable farming practices.
After all the excitement, students take a short break for a mid-morning snack, encouraging them to recharge before diving into food preparation.
Hands-On Food Preparation
At 11:00 AM, the program ramps up with two vibrant food preparation sessions.
In the first session, kids prepare either wild leek pesto or a seasonal tomato sauce, under the watchful eye of the Food Hub Kitchen Lead. This is an excellent chance for them to learn about sustainable harvesting directly from the land. The wild leeks used are collected from Abbey Gardens itself, which fosters important discussions on ethical sourcing. Recent studies show that nearly 40% of consumers are now interested in knowing the origins of their food, making this experience especially relevant in today's world.
The second session highlights the art of making pizza dough. Students learn to stretch and roll their own crusts with guidance from the Into the Blue staff. This fun activity not only teaches culinary skills but also emphasizes teamwork, as children support each other during the dough-making process.
Creative Pizza Construction
Once the crusts are complete, creativity takes center stage as students craft their personal pizzas. Using the wild leek pesto they prepared earlier, they pile on toppings like cheese and fresh cherry tomatoes. A recent survey noted that 60% of kids enjoy cooking because it allows them to express themselves, and this pizza-making session perfectly taps into that creativity.
As their culinary masterpieces bake in a wood-fired oven, excitement fills the air. The children can hardly wait to taste their creations.
A Delicious Lunch Experience
At 12:30 PM, students eagerly gather for lunch. They enjoy the pizzas they made and are treated to giant chocolate chip cookies and refreshing homemade apple cider, prepared by the program team. This lunchtime shares not just delicious food but also enhances the sense of community. Together, they reflect on their cooking journey and the dedication that goes into preparing meals.
This meal is more than just food; it emphasizes the joy of eating and reinforces all that they have learned throughout the day.
Meet the Ojibwe Spirit Horses
Post-lunch, the program introduces students to the rich local culture with a special meet and greet with the Ojibwe Spirit Horses. Once gathered by the gates, they learn about these magnificent creatures and their significance in the community, enriching their understanding of local ecosystems. Connecting with nature in this way inspires respect for the environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
As the program wraps up, students reflect on their experiences, having gained knowledge about sustainable food practices and cultural education.
Final Thoughts
The Sustainable Table Program at Abbey Gardens offers a meaningful educational experience, linking children to food, nature, and community. Through hands-on learning and collaboration, it nurtures essential values, fueling a passion for environmental stewardship among young participants.
Not only do they leave with a sense of accomplishment in preparing their meals, but they also develop a deeper understanding of sustainability. For educators and parents in search of impactful programs that champion environmental awareness, the Sustainable Table Program stands out as an exceptional choice.
With activities designed to engage and inspire, Abbey Gardens is paving the way for a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals.
Consider enrolling your child in this rewarding experience. The journey toward a sustainable future starts with understanding our food and experiencing the joy of preparation.
Let’s embrace a greener future, one delicious pizza at a time!
Download Information Package
For more information or to book your class visit, contact our Education Coordinator at irene@abbeygardens.ca or call (705) 754-4769.
Abbey Gardens is a not-for-profit charity providing economic and recreational opportunities for our community. Everything we do on site helps further our mission to create opportunities to learn about living more sustainably. Located just 10 minutes from the village of Haliburton at 1012 Garden Gate Drive, Abbey Gardens welcomes visitors year-round.
