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18 Fruits of Labour

United States

Katie Smith Milway, United States

Katie Smith Milway’s first book, One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference, received international acclaim for enlisting children in the cause of microfinance. She is a partner at the Bridgespan Group, a consultant to non-profits and philanthropists. Her latest book, The Good Garden: How One Family Went from Hunger to Having Enough, provides children with the opportunity to become part of the movement to grow “good gardens” and foster food security. Read more

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Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Studio 1398
$17 / $8.50 for student groups

For many Vancouver-area children, growing a garden in the backyard is fun, and pulling a carrot out of the ground is a treat. But when 11-year-old Maria, part of a struggling farming family in Honduras, is left in charge of the garden, her family’s very survival depends on her work. When her teacher introduces her to methods of sustainable farming practices, however, she can begin to transform and improve the plight of her family and her community. Through rich illustrations and tales of her experiences in Latin America, Katie Smith Milway shows children ways they, too, can be part of “good gardens” at home and abroad.

Suitable for grades 2 to 5

This event is sponsored by the Rix Family Foundation.

View the study guide for this event.

Fruits of Labour

For many Vancouver-area children, growing a garden in the backyard is fun, and pulling a carrot out of the ground is a treat. But when 11-year-old Maria, part of a struggling farming family in Honduras, is left in charge of the garden, her family’s very survival depends on her work. When her teacher introduces her to methods of sustainable farming practices, however, she can begin to transform and improve the plight of her family and her community. Through rich illustrations and tales of her experiences in Latin America, Katie Smith Milway shows children ways they, too, can be part of “good gardens” at home and abroad.

Curriculum Connection:
• sustainability
• individual, community, global responsibility
• media literacy

Activities:

1. Ask students to write a poem or story, or draw a picture of, a hunger-related issue. These pictures and stories can be displayed in the school area or in community spaces. Stories can be sent to local or regional newspapers or read on radio stations.

2. Ask the students for their ideas on actions that they, and others, can take in their communities and in the world to help solve the problems of hunger and malnutrition. List those actions and identify who could carry them out.