Chloe Tew walked two elementary students through the blooming fields of the Turkey Creek Middle School strawberry field. The eighth-grader explained to the students how to look for the best berries to pick.
But, she had to show them a little differently.
Both of the students were color blind. So, Tew had to tell them to pick the bigger berries, instead of telling them to look at the color for ripeness.
“I really liked it,” Tew said of the experience. “I loved teaching the kids about everything.”
Tew was among the Turkey Creek Middle students who participated in a special field trip March 19. About 40 disabled students from throughout the district came to visit the strawberry field and learn about agriculture. Most were visually impaired, but some had other disabilities. Even those in wheelchairs made it out to the sweet rows of the field.
“My favorite part was overhearing our kids teach the kids about the plants,” ag teacher Allison Sparkman said.
It was the Turkey Creek Middle students’ responsibility to teach the visitors about picking. They attended a training session the day before.
“They were nervous before,” Sparkman said. “They were scared to go up to kids they didn’t know. But, it turned out to be so natural.”
Ag teacher Buddy Coleman spearheaded the initiative, along with ESE Specialist Deborah Coleman, paraprofessional Brittany Coleman and Sparkman.
Sam and Buffy Astin also came to the fields to show their support. The Astins assist the school by supplying clamshells. The yields from the field are sold at a fruit stand on-site, and money raised benefits the FFA program.
“They were really, really impressed, too,” Sparkman said. “We are so grateful they came out.”
In addition to picking in the fields, students also got to visit a makeshift petting zoo with some of the school’s animals, including lambs and pigs.
In the multipurpose room, parent volunteers put together about 100 strawberry shortcakes as a delicious snack.
Parents Julie Hasting, Melinda Gainer and Sharla Hattaway were touched by the field trip.
“These kids couldn’t see,” Hasting said through tears. “You just take for granted so many things. They are great little learners, but they have special health concerns.”
The participating students said they enjoyed the experience.
“I’m looking forward to doing it again,” Tew said.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.