MSU Extension offers training for K-12 teachers in southeast Michigan
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EmailEducators have many opportunities to learn about community food systems, school gardens and classroom programs this winter.
Teachers and educators will find a variety of professional development trainings offered by Michigan State University Extension in southeast Michigan. At a time when local community food systems are a concern in the media, teaching young people about healthy food and accessing fresh and healthy vegetables is a top priority to improve the health of families.
MSU Extension continues to be a resource for educators interested exploring teachable solutions that can be used in classrooms. Winter training sessions include the following:
- MSU Extension educators will offer a beginners’ day-long training for teachers who do not have or make use of school gardens. Some may be struggling to relate the garden to school, grade-level content expectations or Common Core State Standards (CCSS). In January, the series kicks off with “Starting and Sustaining a School Garden Workshop.” Teachers will learn how to initiate their school garden and outdoor classrooms.
- New to the series is a session on using school greenhouses and hoop houses. Educators will explore how to use a school-based green house that may not have been operational for many years. Educators will also get information on how to set up a hoop house and link gardening activities to classroom activities.
- There has been great interest in teaching kids entrepreneurial business skills. Creating a youth farm stand project will be offered at the Frederick V. Pankow Center in Clinton Twp. on February 28, and at the MSU Tollgate Education Center in Novi on March 28, 2013.
- “Fresh from the Farm” curriculum training will provide teachers with garden and food lessons and specific activities for students to learn where food comes from. “Fresh from the Farm” is an externally validated and nationally ranked experiential farm-to-school program featuring K-8 curricula that encourages healthy choices and environmental awareness among children. Its curriculum aligns with CCSS and support the Michigan Model for Health. A special team of staff from Seven Generations will lead this workshop. Teachers will leave with the curriculum and resources to get their programs started.
- The “Garden to Classroom” session will give teachers hands-on ways for students to learn about preparing food and healthy food activities for teachers to use in the classroom with kids.
For more information on each workshop, contact Kathe Hale, MSU Extension educator, at 586-469-6088 or by email at halek@anr.msu.edu.
