Kids 3-8 are invited to learn about sunflowers at the first Sprouts at the Market event of the season this Saturday. (Photo by rkramer62 on flickr)
We’re surrounded by some of the richest farmland in the world, but do our kids know where food comes from? Do they know how to grow something?
Giving kids the answers to these basic questions form the foundation for Sprouts at the Market, a once-a-month FREE program intended to educate young children – and their caregivers — about eating seasonally and healthfully throughout the Market at the Square season.
Here’s what kids and parents can expect at the season’s first edition of Sprouts at the Market, held continuously from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 22. With the help of volunteers from the Champaign County Master Gardeners program, your sprout will have the opportunity to plant some sunflower seeds (in addition to tasting them) and take one home. They will learn what sunflowers need to grow, and how they can transplant the seed when it becomes a (real) sprout.
“The Sprouts program is going to be lots of fun,” said interim Master Gardener program coordinator Julie Steele. “It will let the kids have a little hands=on activity and hopefully get them excited about gardening. Sunflowers are a great way to get kids started on gardening.”
The Master Gardeners also will talk to the children about the use of sunflowers by both people and animals, particularly birds. Older children will get a booklet to take home and read, while younger kids will receive a coloring page. In addition to the Master Gardeners, the workshop is also sponsored by Market vendor Tiny Greens.
All participants will receive a certificate of participation, and T-shirts will also be for sale. Here’s some motivation: bring a completed Sprouts certificate of participation into Art Mart Toys, and receive 15% off any item.
In addition – chambanamoms.com will be there! Come see us from 8ish a.m. to noon. Some of our wonderful contributors will also be on hand to meet you.
No related posts.
