The teaching materials help primary school children in grades 5 through 8 learn more about arable farming and where their food comes from. Experiential learning is central to the teaching materials. Arable farmers can choose from various assignments to shape their farm lesson. Before the visit, the pupils receive a short introductory lesson from their teacher in the classroom. They learn about the different types of soil found in the Netherlands and which types of soil are suitable for growing arable crops. They also learn which products are made from arable crops and which products are healthy. Two videos have been made for this purpose, which teachers can show in the classroom. The teaching materials and videos are offered through Smaaklessen and can be accessed via https://www.smaaklessen.nl/sma...

The video above, ‘Discover arable farming: soil types in the Netherlands’, is part of the teaching materials. The video is intended to teach pupils where their food comes from and what the production process looks like.

Why farm education?

During a farm visit, children learn where their food comes from and how it is produced. They discover life on the farm and reflect on topics such as sustainability, health and nutrition. They develop practical skills such as measuring, interviewing, researching and gardening, as well as social skills such as working together and listening.

Experiential learning on the farm

A farm visit is a unique experience. You are welcomed by an experienced educational farmer or horticulturalist who inspires every class. Before the visit, they consult with you about the desired approach and which subjects or themes are important. The practical lesson connects with the themes and core objectives of primary and secondary education and is also suitable for special education. The farm or horticultural business is safe for receiving pupils.

Safety on the farm

The educational farms affiliated with Boerderij Educatie Nederland meet strict safety and hygiene requirements. This means that the farm, grounds and stables are suitable and safe for receiving pupils. Upon arrival at the farm, the farmer or horticulturalist will come to collect you and go over the house rules with the class. If necessary, everyone will be given protective clothing or shoe covers. This varies by farm and will be communicated in advance by the farmer or horticulturalist. It is important that pupils wear clothes that can withstand rough treatment. They should also wear sturdy, clean shoes. Before the pupils eat or drink and at the end of the visit, all pupils must wash their hands with soap and water. Pupils will not be given raw milk to drink on the farm.

Basic requirements for educational farmers or horticulturalists

An educational farmer or horticulturalist has educational skills and meets the following basic requirements:

  • Holds a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG).
  • Is insured for receiving groups of pupils on the farm as part of farm education.
  • Has completed a First Aid and Emergency Response (BHV) course.
  • Has completed the inspection protocol for the most commonly identified risks and has taken measures to ensure safe work with groups of children and young people.
  • Has completed the Experiential Learning training.
  • Is visited every five years by a fellow educational farmer, under the supervision of a teacher qualified to teach.

Teaching materials

Teaching materials are available for primary education (ages 4–12), secondary education (ages 13–16) and special education. For primary education, they are divided into grades 1–2, grades 3–4, grades 5–6 and grades 7–8.

For information: https://boerderijeducatienederland.nl/

Photography credit for this article: VidiPhoto.