Reflecting the Valley: Life Skills through Agriculture

Blaker Kinser Junior High School, Ceres, CA

Blaker Kinser Curriculum:Teaching Life Skills through Agriculture

The Blaker Kinser garden program engages students in a wealth of agricultural production tasks that “Make it real for the kids!” Students learn not only science, horticulture, biology and math, but more importantly, Life Skills. How does MikeJames, Agriculture & Science teacher, incorporate Life Skills into his curriculum?

More than just a garden

Mr. Jameshas created more than just a school garden program. It is a microcosm of the agriculture in surrounding Stanislaus County. Students grow products that reflect their county’s bounty. The garden produces a variety of summer vegetables including peppers and tomatoes, and winter vegetables, citrus, herbs, cut flowers and more.

Mr. James’s Tips

Mr. James’s Number One Best Practice is to be sure to have someone in charge who is wholly dedicated to the students and the garden program and who takes full responsibility for it.

Sustaining the Garden Program: Community + Partnerships

Forging connections with the community and developing a variety of partnerships is the secret to this program’s sustainability.