It’s fall he is harvesting the last things from his garden, he is baking sourdough bread and bartering it for martial arts classes twice a week, he is tending chickens, we gleaned apples, pears, and plums and have been preserving them

English Language Arts

• The child has learned about descriptive writing through describing the fall harvest and the process of breadmaking.
• They have practiced their writing skills by documenting their experiences with the chickens and the preservation of fruits.
• Reading comprehension has been enhanced through reading and following instructions for sourdough bread recipes and fruit preservation techniques.
• The child has also learned about the concept of bartering and can discuss its benefits and drawbacks.

History

• The child has gained an understanding of historical farming practices and how they have evolved over time.
• They have learned about the importance of self-sufficiency and food preservation in past societies.
• They have explored the concept of bartering as an ancient form of trade.
• The child has developed an appreciation for the role of agriculture in human history.

Math

• The child has practiced measurement skills by weighing ingredients for breadmaking and preserving fruits.
• They have learned about fractions and ratios through following recipes and adjusting ingredient quantities.
• They have applied basic multiplication skills when calculating the quantities of preserved fruits needed for future use.
• The child has gained an understanding of the concept of bartering and the value of goods in exchange.

Science

• The child has learned about plant life cycles and the seasonal changes that occur during fall.
• They have explored the process of fermentation in sourdough breadmaking.
• The child has gained knowledge about animal care and the roles of chickens in a sustainable garden ecosystem.
• They have learned about food preservation techniques and the science behind them.

Social Studies

• The child has gained an understanding of community interdependence through bartering for martial arts classes.
• They have learned about different cultures' approaches to food preservation and bartering.
• The child has explored the concept of sustainability and its importance in modern society.
• They have gained an appreciation for the value of self-sufficiency and its historical significance.

Continued development related to this activity can be fostered by encouraging the child to explore other forms of food preservation, such as canning or fermenting. They can also further develop their writing skills by creating a journal or blog to document their ongoing experiences with gardening, breadmaking, and bartering. Additionally, they can research different martial arts styles and their origins to gain a deeper understanding of the practice they are bartering for.

Book Recommendations

• The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes: A beautifully illustrated story about a small gardener who tends to a neglected garden and brings it back to life.
• The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis: This powerful novel follows the story of a young girl in Afghanistan who disguises herself as a boy to provide for her family by learning and practicing the art of breadmaking.
• Chicken Sunday by Patricia Polacco: A heartwarming tale of friendship and forgiveness, as three children work together to earn money to buy a special Easter hat for their friend.