Jenna Shea

Trees – Deciduous or Evergreen?

Kindergarten classes learned to compare and contrast deciduous and evergreen trees this week. Yes, even five year olds could pronounce the words and explain what they mean! Evergreen – Trees with needles or leaves that remain alive and on the tree through the winter and into the next growing season. Deciduous – Trees that shed allContinue reading “Trees – Deciduous or Evergreen?”

Tasting with Chef Andrew: Kale Chips

Chef Andrew from Atkin’s Park came by today to show us a new way to eat the kale we grew in the garden. We made Kale Chips! The kids compared the crunchy, salty taste to potato chips but they were made from kale! First, he removed the ribs from the kale. Then he tossed themContinue reading “Tasting with Chef Andrew: Kale Chips”

Edible Flowers: Pansies

We have planted pansies every winter since we started our garden. They are pretty winter hardy and can survive light freezes – even short periods of snow cover (just in case, we get any this year!) They are great for the roof because they grow well in the sun and in well-drained soil. The kidsContinue reading “Edible Flowers: Pansies”

Produce of the Month: FL Radishes

Our fresh radishes are from Duda & Sons Family Farm in Oviedo, Florida. Click the link below to see more information about our featured farm for the month. Click the link below to see more information about radishes.

Atlanta Local Food Initiative 2012 Summit

I’m looking forward to attending the Atlanta Local Food Initiative 2012 Summit at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens today! I’m particularly excited about some of the in-depth breakout sessions: Urban Agriculture Start-ups, Grassroots Community Building through Local Food, and Let’s Grow – Education and Outreach.

Leaves in the Fall (Fiction and Non-Fiction Lesson)

The kids are always so thrilled to see the leaves start to change color around our school’s campus. To build off their interest, we read fiction and non-fiction books about leaves changing in the fall. This lesson follows a template that I use quite often – it can be applied to any topic and forContinue reading “Leaves in the Fall (Fiction and Non-Fiction Lesson)”

Tasting in the Garden: Leafy Greens

The kids were so excited to harvest and taste the greens they’ve been growing in the garden. First, they learned how to identify the different leafy greens and pick the leaves (without ripping the whole plant out of the ground haha)! Then, they washed their harvest and dipped it in our dill dressing. The kidsContinue reading “Tasting in the Garden: Leafy Greens”

Presenting at the Atlanta Farm to School Workshop

I had a great time presenting at Atlanta Farm to School’s Workshop on Saturday. There was a great group of participants that were eager to learn where to start with teaching standards-based math, science, reading, and writing lessons in the garden. During my workshops, I always like to begin with the basic outline of aContinue reading “Presenting at the Atlanta Farm to School Workshop”

Healthy Halloween Celebrations

I was so impressed to see the healthy Halloween celebrations that were going on throughout the school! Ms. Hobbs’ students were enjoying some seasonal favorites – apple slices and pumpkin bread. Ms. Damian’s class made Toast Ghosts using toast and a cookie cutter. Then they spread cream cheese on top and used dried cranberries forContinue reading “Healthy Halloween Celebrations”

Pumpkins (Fiction and Non-Fiction Lesson)

The kids were not going to let me forget that Halloween is this week! To celebrate we learned a little bit about pumpkins through a study of fiction and non-fiction books. This lesson follows a template that I use quite often – it can be applied to any topic and for any age group. CheckContinue reading “Pumpkins (Fiction and Non-Fiction Lesson)”