CPS Celebrates Autumn with a Visit to the Orchard

10/9/2007

The Community Partnership School started off the long Columbus Day weekend by taking a field trip to Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA. Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First and Second Grades were all able to partake in this fun learning experience. The lessons began soon after the bus arrived at the orchard, with the students queuing up for a hayride. The driver pointed out the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, tomato and strawberry plants, peach trees, and so many more delicious-looking crops. As it made its way back through fields and forests, the students found that what was inside the hayride was almost as interesting as what was outside! After disembarking, the CPS students were treated to an informational tour, where they learned about all the different types of apples grown at the orchard, what scarecrows were and how to make them, the names of many kinds of gourds, how bees are friends to the farmers, and that there really was a Johnny Appleseed! The guide at the orchard also showed the children how cider is made from fresh apples, and even gave them all samples to taste. Finally, after all the cider was drank, the students of CPS were allowed to play on the giant playground at the orchard. Despite the heat of the day, everyone found joy in collecting chestnuts and acorns, trying out the slide, climbing, "driving" the wooden Apple Truck, and getting lost in the maze. Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First and Second Grades returned to 1936 N. Judson Street, pockets heavy with chestnuts, a bit tired, a bit thirsty, and enriched with the knowledge learned at the orchard.