Bringing Learning to Life: Farm Day at Vilseck Elementary
Ms. Deverick and Ms. Gideon, passionate Kindergarten teachers at Vilseck Elementary, are known for their dedication to innovative, hands-on learning. Their creativity and commitment to student engagement are on full display during one of the school year’s most anticipated events—Farm Day.
Farm Day serves as a dynamic, cross-curricular experience that brings Social Studies, Science, Math, and Literacy standards to life. With careful planning, Ms. Deverick and Ms. Gideon ensure that each activity integrates academic skills while capturing the imagination of their young learners.
In Science, students explore the principles of Forces and Motion through an egg drop ramp challenge. As they test different slopes and surfaces, they observe how speed changes and make predictions based on their findings. Literacy is woven into the activity as they twist egg compartments to substitute beginning sounds and build new words.
Mathematics comes alive through hands-on experiences like milking cows to measure weight and capacity. At the Farmer’s Market, children weigh fruits and vegetables and use play cash registers to practice counting and basic financial literacy.
Motor skills are put to the test as students ride "tractors" through an obstacle course, building strength and coordination. Meanwhile, high-frequency word recognition is reinforced as students "shear sheep" with shaving cream to uncover hidden words.
Understanding animal care is another key component. Students simulate protecting pigs from sunburn by covering them in "mud," then give them a refreshing bath to prepare for the Farm Show. In the “Busy Barnyard,” students measure and build shelters, practicing spatial awareness and problem-solving.
To cap off the day, students churn butter in their classrooms—a delicious way to explore concepts of transformation and measurement. Sampling their homemade treat provides a memorable conclusion to a day filled with discovery and joy.
Now in its third year, Farm Day continues to evolve, offering fresh, meaningful learning opportunities with each iteration. Thanks to the vision and effort of Ms. Deverick and Ms. Gideon, Farm Day remains a beloved tradition that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and community.
