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History, Culture & Community Can All Be Found at Western MA Agricultural Fairs

Agricultural fairs, primarily established by agricultural societies for the purpose of agriculture promotion, science and education, celebrate New England history and local culture in communities all over western Massachusetts throughout late summer and early fall. These generations-old traditions of agriculture, self-sufficiency, and resiliency in rural communities afford families opportunities to participate in intergenerational community-based traditions while offering a myriad of entertainment and learning experiences through the lens of culture and food.

Category: Community Based Education, Hilltown Families, Suggested Activity Tags: Agricultural Fair, Agricultural Fairs, Community Based Education, County Fair, Culture, Farm Education, farm exhibits, Farming, Integrative Learning, multidisciplinary learning

Local Agricultural Fairs Showcase Rich Local Heritage

The insightful person who said that Western MA was the bread basket of Massachusetts absolutely nailed it! There are incredible things happening in agriculture in the western part of the state, in the areas of sustainability and organic growing- all stemming from a strong agrarian tradition. Western MA agriculture is showcased broadly across the many late summer events that occur in the region. Here families can celebrate the local agri-culture and local food through learning opportunities, where children are afforded opportunities to exhibit projects and develop their multidisciplinary learning.

Category: Entertainment, Food, Hilltown Families Tags: Agricultural Fair, Agricultural Fairs, Communty-Based Education, Farm Education, farm exhibits, Farming, multidisciplinary learning

Let Them Grow: Pulling the Chicken Chore Card

As some of you know, keeping chickens is an involved process. In our monthly column, “Let Them Grow: Fresh Ways to Engage Toddlers in Creative Free Play,” Candice puts forth that having children tend to chickens can support their development. The laying out of step-by-step chores gives kids ownership over tasks, which leads to them having a sense of accomplishment.

Read more on what Candice has laid out as pointers to bring about a hands-on learning experience for kids.

Category: Candice Chouinard, Contributing Writer Tags: chicken farm, Chores, creative education, Experiential Learning, Farm Education, Independence

What Does a Trebuchet Have to Do with a Farm?

Farmyard Tails: Feche la Vache! By Jennifer Bennett, HF Contributing Writer As I sit at my desk, I find myself looking outside at all of the beautiful flowers and buds. I can hear the birds singing and the peepers peeping. And yet, I am still having a hard time realizing that all of the snow is really gone. I know it is crazy, but it is true! The Spring has been quite… Read More