We recognize that an intimate relationship with nature is critical for a child's full development. Our large, sunny schoolyard features an organic garden and farm, home to chickens and sheep, that give children daily opportunities to experience first-hand the connections inherent to a healthy ecosystem, as well as to develop a sense of place and season. The CDS environmental education program has three educational objectives for our students:
- to cultivate empathy for animals and plants in the natural world
- to explore academic topics within a real-life context
- to develop the skills necessary to be stewards of the environment
Developing empathy for the natural world begins in preschool. Preschool children have the opportunity to spend at least one hour each day in the farm and garden with Misty Cummings, our environmental education resource teacher, working on a variety of seasonal projects. Projects have included:
- planning and planting a vegetable garden with the end-goal of making soup
- tasting a variety of heirloom tomatoes from Eatwell Farm
- brushing the sheep, feeding the chickens and cleaning the sheep barn
- exploring the worm bin
CDS students use the schoolyard as a living laboratory to bring to life the subjects they study in their classrooms. For example, while studying seasons and cycles, first graders might begin the year by making a personal garden journal and choosing a special spot in the garden. The children visit their spots once a month throughout the year to make observational drawings and notice how the garden changes with the seasons.
The environmental education program also gives children the skills they need to be responsible stewards of the environment by engaging them as active caretakers of their community. We accomplish this in multiple ways. For example:
- Every child in kindergarten through fourth grade participates in the morning farm chore program where they care for the sheep and chickens, record observations about the animals' health and egg production, and track daily weather.
- Many classes have specific jobs that contribute to the maintenance of the school and schoolyard. For example, first graders clean the chicken coop monthly, second graders make non-toxic cleaners for teachers and administrators, and fourth graders are responsible for the school-wide recycling program. Preschoolers care for all the gardens in the yard by watering the plants twice a week.
Our environmental education program also provides fun opportunities for family participation. Through the Family Farmer Program, each CDS family has the chance to care for the farm animals during weekends and vacations; training is provided. Click here to read the diary of one family farmer. Families also have the opportunity to become members of Eatwell Farm, our sister farm in Winters, and purchase a weekly basket of organic produce that is delivered to the school.