Some students opt for farm school learning during COVID-19

MIDDLEBOROUGH, Mass. — Class is in session on the farm and students are learning valuable lessons as they jump over life’s hurdles.

The farm school program at the Soule Homestead Education Center in Middleborough gives children in first through eighth grade an opportunity to work on a real-working farm once a week throughout the school year.

“We have our own livestock here and so different things we can be helping with might be helping to feed animals, clean out pens, train animals. Help with day to day chores on the farm,” said Meg Riley, executive director of the Soule Homestead Education Center.

The program is part of the South Shore-based Seaview Learning.

“Wednesday’s we’re there for the whole day," said Margo LaPointe, co-founder of Seaview Learning. "It’s a whole day drop off. You pack your kids' remote learning up and you drop them at the farm with our team.”

Many of the children are enrolled in either full-time remote learning or hybrid learning in public schools.

The farm school gives them a chance to get off the computer and go outside no matter the weather.

“It is a different year for everyone, but it is also really an opportunity for kids to add this additional layer of learning and understanding to their remote learning for their homeschool skills,” Riley said.

Because of an increase in demand, Seaview Learning said it will add an additional farm day. They will soon have Friday sessions as well.

Cox Media Group