FARM IN A BOX is a new programme for schools who are not yet able to come out on a farm visit. It has been devised by the Country Trust and brings the farm to your school.
Every box is based on a real working farm They are themed according to the farms available for visits in the area and include Fruit, Vegetables, Seeds we Eat, Dairy, Beef and Sheep. Each Farm in a Box is accompanied by a short film, personalised for each school, in which the farmer welcomes the class and takes them on a virtual tour of his/her farm. Wherever possible Farm in a Box will include a live conversation with the farmer on the day too – exciting for both the children and the farmer!
Watch this wonderful video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJZz5VJHgCc in which teacher Abby Steele describes the impact of Farm in a Box on her pupils at GUST Independent School in Northumberland.
The box itself arrives at school in time for the Farm in a Box day and is filled to the brim with exciting resources – these may include examples of farm produce, seeds or equipment – and a stash of activity cards and challenges that will enable children to make vital connections between their lives, their food, their natural surroundings and farming.
The Farm in a Box activities will include investigations and challenges focused on a specific aspect of farming, depending on the interests and needs of the class and will be chosen by the teacher with support from their Country Trust Coordinator. Teachers have used the Boxes to support topics as diverse as Harvest Festival and Ancient Grains of Mesopotamia! Where possible the Coordinator will also arrange a live video call with the farmer either at the beginning or end of the day enabling the children to put their questions directly to the farmer.
Farm in a Box has been designed in consultation with teachers to reflect current priorities. Every activity is curriculum linked but language, communication and well-being are woven throughout every Farm in a Box day, to ensure the experience helps children increase their understanding of the world of food and farming but also their confidence, self-esteem and promotes successful interactions with their peers.
To find out more, please read their Farm in a Box report Farm_in_A_Box_report_December_2020_(1)
and / or email info@countrytrust.org.uk.