Wow, today we harvested our fall crop of Nest Egg, Snake and Swan Gourds. Ms. Kitt and the kids gathered together and learned about this multi-year project, and the cycle of gourd sowing, nurturing, harvesting, crafting, and seed stewardship.
Kids learned about how many cultures use gourds as implements, decorations and musical instruments. We all sang “Follow the Drinking Gourd,” recounting how slaves once sought their freedom by following the Drinking Gourd (Big Dipper) north to freedom. Afterward, we went out to the chicken run and cut our fruit and then pulled the old climbing vines from the high playground fence. Pushing along a wheelbarrow to the composter, we loaded up the tumbler to break the organic matter down for a new batch of rich earth.
When our job was done, we returned to the school for warm apple cider. Sitting in a circle, kids talked about what they learned from the process and what they were feeling thankful for.
Over the winter the fruit will dry, and in spring we will craft shakers, sculptures and bird houses. Ms. Kitt and I are really looking forward to crafting with the same group of children. Thanks to UMBC, Parks and People Foundation and Baltimore Montessori Public Charter School for supporting Gourd Season.
