Benefits of Socialization at the Farm
Why Multiple Lessons at Once
Hosting multiple children at the farm at the same time has numerous benefits. One of these is the chance for increased engagement. As instructors, it can be challenging to keep a child's interest for a prolonged period. However, with more children around, the opportunity for engagement grows. Each interaction with different people at the farm presents a chance to learn something new and stay engaged for a longer time. This can make the learning experience more enjoyable and memorable for the children. Additionally, being around other kids can help them develop social skills and build relationships, which are essential for their growth and development. Overall, hosting multiple children at the farm can result in a more enriching experience for everyone involved.
An Example of Learned Courage
Last week, I had the opportunity to work with a child who was afraid of chickens. While she was standing outside the chicken enclosure, another child was inside, confidently handling the chickens and even having them give pretend kisses through the fence. Witnessing the other child's ease around the chickens inspired her to approach them as well. Eventually, she mustered up the courage to ask to go inside the chicken coop and had a wonderful time watching them. It was a truly authentic moment of growth and progress for her, and it wouldn't have been possible without the experience of watching another child play first.