Preschoolers explore local farm on study trip

Students from Amy Jones’ UPK class at Stuttgart Elementary School took a hands-on approach to their learning on Feb. 28, when they visited a local farm. The trip offered a unique opportunity for the preschoolers, along with their teachers and parents, to connect their classroom lessons about domesticated and wild animals to real-life experiences.

Upon arriving at the farm, students jumped straight into their first task: preparing food for the chickens. Together, they measured and mixed grain, yogurt, and grated apples to create a nutritious meal for the chickens. They then carried the mixture to the chicken coop, where they not only fed the animals but also collected eggs.

Throughout the morning, students interacted with a variety of domesticated animals, including alpacas, pigs, sheep, rabbits, horses, and guinea pigs. As they fed and observed the animals, they made connections to what they had learned in class, identifying which animals were omnivores, carnivores, or herbivores.

Mary Bowman, a Pre-K student, shared her excitement: "My favorite part of the trip was feeding the alpacas because they were fuzzy and cute." Jack Hufstetler, also in Pre-K, said, "Feeding the guinea pigs was the best part of the trip." Amy Jones, another Pre-K student, added, "I loved seeing all the animals and helping feed them."

Jones, the Pre-K teacher, expressed the value of the experience: "Getting the opportunity to take my preschool class to learn about and experience farm animals up close brought our unit of study to a whole new level. The strategic use of study trips in preschool can enhance learning and engagement."

A muddy morning at the farm left a lasting impression on the students, marking another memorable moment in their first year of school.