Fresh flowers…vegetables…fruits… and live music can turn a weekly chore into a memorable summer experience. Farmers’ markets provide a great alternative to grocery shopping in the summer and early fall. Going to a farmers’ market can be an opportunity to involve the whole family. Farmers’ markets typically are less crowded and smaller than a grocery store, plus most markets are outside. Many vendors offer samples, so you can encourage your child to try a new food or be open to a new experience. Outdoor markets naturally create opportunities to practice a variety of language skills. Below are some suggestions for a day at the market and websites for local farmers’ markets.
- Before going to the farmers’ market, pick a recipe to make and create a list of the ingredients. It can be as simple as making a fruit salad. After the market, go home and make a fruit salad together. Then have your child re-tell the steps.
- Create a farmers’ market budget and set family rules (i.e. Everybody buys one item and the goal is to have money left over so we can do another special activity.).
- Create a farmers’ market scavenger hunt to find 5-6 items. (i.e. Find a green vegetable that is long. Find a vegetable that is round.).
- After going to the farmers’ market, sort the food into different groups.
- Let your child practice questions to buy things (i.e. Can I have_________? Do you have__________?).
http://www.skokie.org/farmersmarket.cfm
http://www.cityofevanston.org/evanston-life/farmers-market/
http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/farmers_market.html