Subjects
curriculum
Farm
Since the first Waldorf school open in Germany over 100 years ago, farming has been an important part of the curriculum. The Emerson Waldorf School farm has been operational for more than eight years. The 11-acre farm is cared for by our school farmer with support from our facilities manager, parent volunteers, teachers and students who work on the farm weekly. Farming as an educational tool is used to meet the needs of a child as they develop intellectually, physically and emotionally. For example, a class of first graders clearing stones from a field, use their large motor muscle groups and discover the power of working together; fifth graders inoculate shiitake mushroom logs each spring as part of their botany studies and then sell their produce at the farm store.
The Emerson School Farm supports a large garden, farm store, greenhouse, budding orchard, two goats, a flock of chickens, a rabbit, two beehives, and sheep- coming spring 2020. The farm operates using biodynamic farming principles. No chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are used. We maintain soil health through crop rotation, cover cropping, companion planting, composting, and biodynamic preparations. Seeds are locally sourced, open-pollinated, organic, or biodynamic.
As climate change continues to affect the planet, teaching sustainability and respect for the environment is more necessary than ever. Join us throughout the school year for Farm Fridays, Tuesday Tea at the Farm, festivals, fundraising events and more.
