Stone Soup - 4th Graders and The Redwoods' Seniors

Today, a local fourth grade class visited 

our Organic Garden at The Redwoods. 

They had several experiences during 

their field trip from learning about the worm bin

at the Compost Station

to planting seedlings, 

to cutting flowers and making bouquets and, 

best of all, making Stone Soup.

Each of the children had contributed some vegetables 

from home. We supervised them as they cut up their 

vegetables into small pieces for our Stone Soup.

We got a commercial soup pot from our kitchen 

and started with  hot water and one stone. 

Then the kids added their chopped vegetables

and watched as I put them into the steaming stock.

We had 24 children add veggies 

to our steaming soup pot.

My job was to keep the soup 

making safe for every one.

I also adjusted some seasonings 

for our soup, adding a

little vegetable bouillon 

and some onion soup mix for flavor.

I supervised the Coleman stove 

and had the children come one 

at a time to see their veggies go into the pot.

Jeanne showed a group of children how

to plant seedlings in the soil.

The veggies cooked as the groups 

went around to their various stations in the garden.

A watched pot DOES boil. I needed to turn the flame down!

Audrey served the children their Stone Soup.

Many asked for 2nd servings. It was a hit!

Eager soup eaters line up to be served. 

Fred collects their evaluation forms.

Each student cut flowers and 

made a table bouquet for the dining room. 

They were very creative, indeed.

The children gathered for a group photo 

before bringing their bouquets into the 

dining room for The Redwoods'residents.

Then, it was clean up time. 

We emptied the big soup pot and 

saved the stone that started it all. 

If you have not read Stone Soup by Marcia Brown, 

you will enjoy this lovely story about 

how there is always enough when 

each of us contributes one thing to the pot. 

It was a fun morning. Both old and young 

had a great time and enjoyed a delicious 

lunch, too!

PS

The Pot Watcher was given a jar of

soup to take home and enjoy.