GrowME sprouts and spurts in providing classroom activities

DOVER-FOXCROFT — While it might be difficult to think about gardening and farming in February, a group of volunteers are doing just that. Every year at this time, a GrowME program is offered to K-3 teachers and schools in Piscataquis County. The program is the result of collaboration between the Valley Grange, Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) and UMaine Piscataquis County Extension.

The program aims to utilize local volunteers who will work with teachers to schedule an agricultural activity in their classrooms during Maine Agriculture Week (March 21-25). Donna Coffin from UMaine Piscataquis County is particularly excited over the “hands on” aspect of the activities. “Thanks to our rural nature in Piscataquis County, we don’t have the ‘nature deficit’ that some more urban areas experience,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be offering our kids an opportunity to involve all their senses and get some hands on learning.”

Walter Boomsma, program director for Valley Grange agrees. His specialty is making butter with second-graders. “We have fun and the kids almost don’t realize they are learning — some have even asked for instructions and then made butter at home as a family activity,” he said.

Seed planting activities result in dirt babies being created by third-graders. Kindergartners create animal graphs and first-graders get to taste and sort several varieties of apples. “We also spend some time just talking with the kids — many have chickens and gardens and it’s fun to share experiences,” Boomsma said.

Boomsma notes that it’s not unusual for nearly every school in the area to participate in some way, but there should be no shortage of volunteers and resources thanks to the collaboration. “We’ve got master gardeners and farmers available through Extension programs and PCSWCD includes partners and resources that are committed to good stewardship. Valley Grange Bookworms are familiar faces at PCES, the school where this all started. Our goal is to keep this informal, local and a true partnership between our schools, teachers and volunteers. It’s not so much that we have a program to offer — it’s more about working together to make good use of our resources. Our volunteers will have the sort of agricultural experience and background to be especially relevant to students while providing insight into the importance of agriculture in our area.”

This year’s offer is for a GrowME volunteer to visit for about 30-45 minutes and work with students on a simple, grade appropriate activity. Teachers and administrators who are interested need only furnish contact information: teacher’s name, email address and grade. Interested teachers may email grange@boomsmaonline.com or call Boomsma at 343-1842. Additional information and online registration is also available at  http://growmehelps.wordpress.com.