This week was filled with excitement as the children returned to their farm patches, eager to see how their little plants had grown. With bright smiles, they first gathered for a healthy breakfast, sharing stories and laughter before beginning the day’s activities.

After breakfast, the children were divided into two groups so that each could experience hands-on learning in a more engaging way.

Learning About Soils

One group settled comfortably under the shade, where Ms. Sandhya introduced them to the fascinating world of soils. The children discovered how not all soils are the same—red soil, black soil, sandy soil, loamy soil, and clayey soil each have their own unique qualities that make them suitable for different crops. To make the learning more interactive, they performed the Mason Jar Soil Test. By mixing soil samples with water in glass jars and letting them settle, the children could actually see the different layers—sand, silt, and clay—separating before their eyes. This simple yet powerful activity helped them understand how soil composition affects farming.

Preparing and Applying Jeevamrutham

Meanwhile, the second group walked to their patches with Mr. Vamsi, where they learned the importance of nourishing the soil naturally. They were guided in preparing Jeevamrutham, a traditional organic solution that enriches the soil and promotes healthy plant growth.

The children carefully mixed Jeevamrutham with water in the right proportions, paying attention to the details, and then lovingly applied it to their plants. After this, they rolled up their sleeves and got busy with weeding—making sure their patches were free of unwanted plants that could compete with their vegetables.

Exploring the Paddy Crop
 

Once they had completed their activities, the children gathered together to visit the paddy crop. For many, it was their first close look at how rice grows, and they observed the green fields swaying gently in the breeze. 

Finally, the groups swapped places—those who had learned about soils now got a chance to apply Jeevamrutham in the patches, while the others returned to the shade to explore the mysteries of soil through the Mason Jar test. By the end of the day, every child had experienced both activities.