Conshohocken Elementary third graders prepare garden for fall

Third graders from Conshohocken Elementary School (CE) recently walked down to the Conshohocken Community Garden on Elm Street to see how the school’s garden plot fared over the summer. The children composted, weeded, harvested vegetables and removed the out-of-season plants. “I like picking stuff and getting to eat it, said CE third grader Zakir Williams. “We picked tomatoes and carrots. It was a lot of work.” The garden ties directly into the second-grade science curriculum where they study plants and insects, but maintaining the garden offers additional lessons about living things for all grade levels, while teaching the students about responsibility and being an active part of their community. “The kids love it!” said Amy Campbell, CE third grade teacher. “We’re looking forward to returning in a week or two to harvest the rest of the carrots we planted midsummer.” CE families signed up to take care of the plot — and take advantage of the fresh vegetables — each week over the summer. The school also shares its harvest with the Colonial Neighborhood Council to help provide fresh produce to families in need.