Little Farmers

Little Farmers ages 2-5 and their grown-ups are guided by experienced educators as they explore the farm, the food we grow, and the relationships we have with the natural world. Sensory place-based lessons are tied to the changes happening on the farm throughout the season.

At Cedar Circle Farm, we know that all of our Little Farmers have extraordinary learning potential. They are capable of thinking, expressing, and understanding. They build experiences that give meaning to the world around them. Through the creative process, they become competent, curious, and connected to the world around them. There is no right or wrong way to explore and create; the focus is on exploring techniques, tools, and materials. The experience is their choice.

Providing our Little Farmers with unstructured and open-ended activities allows them to explore, build confidence, and become comfortable with mistakes. We strive to offer open-ended materials and allow our Little Farmers to choose how they use different materials. We remember that messes are often part of a Little Farmer’s process, and we find ways to allow them to make messes so they understand that they have support in their explorations. Little Farmers and big farmers learn a lot from their mistakes and must be given ample chances to make them. Making mistakes helps them learn to develop alternate solutions, develop patience and focus, and reach out for help if needed. A Little Farmer can determine what works and what doesn’t. Open-ended activities are vital in giving Little Farmers opportunities for mistake-making and discovery.

Given the opportunity to explore, Little Farmers learn and grow socially and emotionally. When they engage in the creative process, they enjoy the process of making and doing – it is not so much about what the end product turns out to be or if there is even an end product. Focusing on the journey instead of the finish line allows our Little Farmers to enjoy the scenery, make stops when necessary, and take inspiring detours, reaching our destination feeling more fulfilled.

Please review our Education Program Health Policies here for information about COVID-19 and Illness.

If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact Sandi, Education Lead, at sandi@cedarcirclefarm.org.

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Spring, Summer, Fall 2023

May 16 - October 31, 2023

Weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays*

• 10:00–10:45 AM — geared towards ages 2-3
• 11:00–11:45 AM — geared towards ages 3-5

Cost: $7.00 per child

Please register in advance. Registration will open one week prior to each class. (For example, you may register for the May 16 class starting on May 9).

*Classes are subject to cancellation if enrollment is too low. In the case of inclement weather, we will inform you one day prior to the scheduled class and attempt to reschedule for the same time the following week. If that is not possible, we will issue a 100% refund for the class.

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“The little farmers program was fabulous for my daughter. She got to learn and see so much, and it was always special when we got to take a little bit of the farm home with us — kept the memory alive!” —Audrey M., Quechee, VT

“Little farmers was an exceptional experience for my child. He learned and had fun at the same time.” —LJ, Fairlee, VT

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Winter Sessions 2022-23

Join us on select Fridays from 10–11 a.m.

• November 18 – Venture to our greenhouses to do a tasting tour and plant garlic in our education garden.
• December 9 – We will discuss how animals survive in the winter, exploring the farm for evidence, and end with an art project.
• January 13 – We will continue our animal study in the January class, which will be all about tracking! We will search for animal tracks around the farm, trying to identify who lives here and imagine their wanderings.
• February 10 - This February, we will be learning about some of the birds that live in our region throughout the winter, including what their winter homes and food sources are. We will practice their calls and walk about the farm looking (and listening!) for signs of these birds. Each participant will get to take home a special winter bird guide so they can continue their explorations at home.
• March 10 - The March class will be all about trees and maple sugaring! We will explore the farm using all our senses to observe trees. We will also discuss the process of making maple syrup, using our favorite meeting spot maple tree as an example, and hopefully even taste a sweet treat!
• April 7 - There’s lots to do in April to get ready for opening day at the farm! Come take a behind-the-scenes tour to learn about what different departments are doing to prepare, and maybe even lend a hand to help!

Registration will close at 9am on Thursday before each class (for example, 1/12 for the 1/13 class). The $7.00 program fee includes hot chocolate for the kids!