For the children of inner city New York, a visit to a farm could not be further from their daily experience.
But with some legwork between the Calgary Board of Education and the Stampede Aggie Days committee, a special satellite hookup was established this year between a Spanish speaking school in the Bronx and the Stampede Grounds in Calgary.
Children from a Spanish immersion school in Calgary were able to see and talk to elementary schoolchildren during a special session at the recent Aggie days.
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A large screen and video hookup was provided so students could see and talk with each other. Special events were also held.
A teacher from Collingwood Elementary in Calgary had taught at the Bronx school and was able to make the initial introductions with a Grade 6 class.
He provided the translation because few in the New York school spoke English. He explained what was happening as they watched Debbie Lee and her daughter Danielle milk cows by hand and machine and provided a running commentary on how to keep a dairy. A sheep shearing demonstration was also provided.
“None had ever been to a farm in the Bronx,” Danielle said.
“There are so many kids who have never seen animals or know where their food comes from.”
Hookups were also made with schools in Vulcan, Alta., and Aurora, Ont.
Teachers from each of the three schools were provided in advance with curriculum guides and samples of wool, straw and hay.
The project was such a success that participants are hoping for a repeat performance next year.
Aggie Days is an annual event at the Calgary Stampede grounds, where three days are set aside for schoolchildren and two for the public. About 3,000 children tour the event each day, learning more about agriculture and food production from its activities and information booth.
