Catch them young: Planting the seeds of learning!

India is a global agricultural powerhouse. Nearly three quarters of Indian families depend on rural incomes, says a recent report by the World Bank. The world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices, the country also has the world’s largest cattle herd (buffaloes), as well as the largest area under wheat, rice and cotton.

To make students learn about the importance of India’s agrarian economy, Apeejay School, Model Town in Jalandhar organised an excursion to a farm in Lambra village (Jalandhar district) for students of classes 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The students were accompanied by their parents.

The trip began with a warm up session for students and parents. Next, students were shown and educated about the process of grounding wheat. Further, they visited the cattle-shed at the farm to know more about the process of milking cows and buffaloes.

The students were then guided about plants and trees at the farm. Kushveen, a student of class 3 says, “I plucked a few oranges from a tree, and had a wonderful day at the farm. I along with my classmates also went for a tractor ride which was a new experience for us.”

A special highlight of the trip was a cock fight which enthused the students. Abir, class 1 student says, “The farm visit was an amazing experience for me. I learnt about the farm animals and plants.” Mishti Saini, class 1 student says, “The visit has been a thoroughly educational-cum-fun learning session. My parents and I are really thankful to our school for providing us with the opportunity. The warm-up in the open farm under fresh air, plucking oranges and citrons directly from trees and the tractor ride has given us joyous memories. I picked up and collected some leaves and pebbles from the farm as souvenirs.”

Post these activities, teacher-coordinator Mrs. Jyoti Kapoor taught students how to decorate pots items and make flowers out of simple clay. Inaya, a student of class 1 says, “I learnt about pottery and painting. I loved the trip to the farm as it filled me with joy.”

The day concluded with students, parents returning to the school campus for a group photo with the school Principal, Ms. Sinia Sajith.

“Farms are educational playgrounds for young minds. Activities like fruit picking not only exposes students to the outdoors but gives us the opportunity to teach them agricultural science.”

-Ms. Sinia Sajith, Apeejay School, Model Town