Working with Schools

Check out these two programs: 
From the beginning, Roots to Harvest has always worked closely with our local high schools. It’s a natural connection to the young people we want to connect with, and it’s the place we can build great relationships and do really creative work alongside the teacher champions who invite us into be a part of their classrooms. And it’s not just the teachers who get involved. Building gardens, sharing food, constructing grow towers – it’s a school effort and the custodians, educational assistants and administrators all get on board as needed.
 
Our approach to classroom programs is to ignite curiosity, build on previous knowledge, be hands on and immersive and have a purpose. We work with high schools classes all semester long, getting to know the students and building one activity on the last so there is connection and relevancy. We taste, we try and we touch and there really is no wrong answer or way of doing something.
 
The teachers we work alongside are incredible at turning over their classrooms to us and also being a real part of the work together. It’s a different way that they get to learn about and be with their students, not always as the one giving the lesson but also as a learner and participant.
 
Food is a great common ground to meet youth on, and we truly believe that deep learning can happen if and when we can build positive relationships with kids. Our primary goal in working with youth in classrooms is to build positive relationships with them, so that they can be open to experiencing those feelings of curiosity and wonder and know that they belong and have a place in that community.